Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Biosynthesis – Custom Antibody Packages
Mass spectrometry can be used for analysis of small molecules, oligonucleotides, lipids, glycans, proteins, peptides and determining the location of post translational modifications. It offers accuracy of measurement over a wide molecular weight range, as small as sub-picomole, sample consumption. Furthermore, any difference between theoretical and measured mass may provide important information about the primary structure and post-translational modifications of a therapeutic protein product.
Bio-Synthesis offers a wide range of analysis
  • MALDI-TOF
  • MALDI-TOF/TOF
  • LC-MALDI
  • LC/MS/MS
  • Peptide mass fingerprint analysis
  • Post-translational modification identification
  • Stable isotope related procedures ( iTRAQ, and 18O and SILAC)
Bio-Synthesis' mass spectrometry services uses industry-leading technologies—instruments, chemistry, software, and quantification tools -- that are specifically optimized for exceptional, application-focused performance. This end-to-end system is designed to deliver the fast and reliable quality control methods for your proteins and peptides.

Please contact us to discuss your specific project in more detail. We will provide you with a full project proposal within 2 days that includes analysis protocols, timelines, and costs.

Identify and QA your protein/peptide by MS starting at $150
Services and Fees

Contact us for services and fees not listed below.

Services Cost/Sample
Electrospray Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Electrospray Mass Spectra (ESI) $150
Electrospray Mass Spectra (APCI) $150
ES-MS/MS $200
Liquipd Chromatography Mass Spectra (LC-MS) $285
Liquipd Chromatography Mass Spectra (LC-MS/MS) $300
MALDI Mass Spectrometry Analysis
MALDI-TOF $150
MALDI (Linear=Reflection) $244
MALDI (Digest) $215
MALDI (Tof-Tof of MS/MS) $200
Others
Desalting $70
Tryspin Digest $70
Phosphorylation Enrichment $100
HPLC PDA (Photo Diode Array UV-vis) $150
HPLC Fluorescence Detection $195
Optical Rotation $150

Proteomic Facility's Major Core Equipment
  • Applied Biosystems Voyager-DE STR MALDI-TOF
  • Waters/Micromass Qtof-2 with Waters Cap LC system
  • Applied Biosystems 4700 Proteomics Analyzer (MALDI TOF/TOF)
  • Applied Biosystems 4800 MALDI TOF/TOF Analyzer
  • Applied Biosystems 4000 QTRAP with LC Packings capillary LC system


Quality Control Data quality is ensured through the use of appropriate internal and external standards. The MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers are calibrated with external standards that vary depending on the analyte molecular weight. This results in the best calibration for the most accurate mass assignments. Samples that have been trypsin digested are internally recalibrated from observed trypsin autolysis fragments. The electrospray mass spectrometers are calibrated using polyalanine which allows for even distribution of multiple mass peaks. A variety of search engines, for protein identification from mass fingerprinting and for interpretation of MS/MS spectra, are available each of which generates its own statistics. The choice of database searching software to be applied is optional to investigators and discussion of this matter is encouraged with our technical support team.
Sample Submission and Ordering

Sample Storage
  • Lyophilize or speed vac the protein to a solid sample to ensure protein stability during shipment. Store sample in Eppendorf Safe Lock tube packed in such a way that a cushioned from the effects of FedEX. If a gasket-equipped tube is not available, use Parafilm to assure that the cap does not pop off in shipping. Keeping the sample cool is at the discretion of the investigator. It is not necessary to preserve biological activity or structural integrity of the sample unless solubility will become an issue. Dried samples and samples on PVDF do not require being kept cool.
  • Alternatively, refrigerate to +4°C for cold shipment of the liquid sample.

Sample Shipment

1. Before sending a sample, please use the mass spectrometry sample submission form to alert us for the arrival of the sample. Concurrently, a printed copy of the mass spectrometry sample submission form should accompany the sample. This form is available on this website and can be filled out online.
2. Ship the sample to:
Bio-Synthesis Inc
Bioanalytical Laboratory

Attn: Mass Spectrometry
612 E. Main Street
Lewisville, TX 75057
800.227.0627 | 972-420-8505
Mass Spectrometry Sample Preparation Guidelines

Prior to sending samples, investigators are recommended to contact the facility to discuss the required analysis. This is necessary to ensure that the most efficient and cost-effective analytical methods are employed. Samples are normally analyzed in the order of their receipt, but special arrangements can be made for unstable samples. A sample submission form and guidelines should accompany each set of samples.

General guidelines for sample preparation:
When preparing samples for mass spectrometric analysis, it is best to limit sample manipulations. When dealing with solution samples, never bring the sample to complete dryness. Salts and detergents will interfere with MS analysis of solution samples. Based on extensive studies, we have found that SDS-PAGE or 2D IEF-SDS-PAGE is the best method for recovery of low quantities of protein.

1. The sample should be dissolved in pure water or shipped completely dry if possible. Try to avoid sending samples in high ionic strength buffers as this may interfere with the ionization process. Organic buffers, such as tris and guanidine, and inorganic buffers, such as PBS, are well known for suppressing the ionization process and should be avoided if possible.
2. If the sample is shipped in solution containing any salt, please provide an estimate of the salt concentration possible. Also, providing a list of the salts and buffers that might be present in the solution is also extremely helpful.
3. Any amount of sample can be submitted for analysis. Due to the fact the ionization process and detector sensitivity are sample dependent, it is rather difficult to specify a minimum amount of sample necessary for analysis. The general rule of thumb is, "The more the better".
 
Sample amount recommendation:

LC MS/MS
  • Deliver more accurate data for larger proteins - MW above 50 kDa.
  • Sample amount = 500 attomols of peptide is routinely identified.
  • Recommended amount is 1-10 fmol.
  • Coomassie blue and digestion compatible silver stained protein bands are appropriate.
MALDI-MS & - Tof/Tof
  • Suitable for intact protein mass analysis up to 250K (mass resolution expected to be ±250 ppm).
  • Analysis of DIGE protein spot digests with a sensitivity of ∼250 attomol routinely.
  • Comparative MALDI-MS mapping of control versus experimental digests.
  • MS and MS/MS analysis of beta peptides.
  • A variety of biomolecules can be analyzed including oligosaccharides, and gangliosides.
  • Best suited for simple protein mixtures of 1-3 proteins. More complex mixtures are analyzed by LC-MS/MS using either a single or MudPIT run.

4. A list of information about the sample is usually necessary. This usually includes such information as sample type (peptide, protein, etc.), expected molecular weight, purity, etc.
5. Radiolabeled samples may not be submitted for mass analysis.

Tips:
Protein/peptide solutions in 10 μM volatile buffers can sometimes be analyzed directly while samples with higher salt concentrations require prior C18 or C4 ZipTip desalting.