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Molecular Weight Determination Sample Submission Guidelines

 
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04/26/2009

Molecular Weight Determination Sample Submission Guidelines

Molecular Weight Determination Sample Submission Guidelines

Molecular weight determination of intact proteins and peptides by mass spectrometry requires sufficient sample amounts to obtain good data and relatively pure protein preparation. This analysis is based on MALDI mass spectrometry and works well for small and large proteins in a range of solvents. Alternatively, the analysis can be conducted using electrospray (ESI) mass spectrometry that can give very accurate Mw determinations but requires a very pure sample. The protein is dissolved in water/acetonitrile and cleaned on a C4 or C18 micro-column before analysis by MALDI-TOF MS, alternatively by nano-ESI-MS if requested. To read more about the Bio-Synthesis Molecular Weight Determination Analysis  at www.biosyn.com.

 
Samples can be submitted in liquid form or solid form

Liquid or Solid Sample

  1. Purify the protein/peptide
    1. The chromatographic protein/peptide purity should be >90%
    2. Avoid detergents and keep buffer concentration at a minimum MALDI analysis can be done on samples containing small amounts of salts, urea or detergent but the best result are obtained with low buffer strength in volatile solvents without detergents
    3. Minimum amount ~ 10 micrograms
  2. Put the protein/peptide into micro-centrifuge tube
    1. Use the Eppendorf Safe Lock tube
    2. Lyophilize or speed-vac the protein to a solid sample to ensure protein stability during shipment
    3. Alternatively, freeze or refrigerate to +4oC for cold shipment of the liquid sample
  3. Note

    Please note that Mw determination of intact proteins by mass spectrometry CANNOT be conducted on samples from gels or PVDF membranes!

Sample Shipment

The sample is now ready for submission

  1. Download, fill out and sign the Molecular Weight Sample Submission Form
  2. Place the tube(s) in the bubble bag to protect the tube during shipment.
  3. Ship the samples using a courier company. Liquid sample should be shipped at +4oC and gel samples at ambient temperature. Ship to:

    Bio-Synthesis Inc,
    Proteomic Analytical Division
    612 E. Main Street,
    Lewisville, TEXAS, 75057
    USA
    800.227.0627 (toll free)
    972.420.8505 (oversea)
    972.420.0442 (fax)