<p>All instruments with detectors are prone to saturation effects at high
concentration, and mass spectrometers are no exception. The very high
sensitivity of mass spectrometry makes the onset of saturation occur at lower
concentrations than other methods, and in cases where the analyte of interest
is very reactive, concentrations at which saturation can be problematic may be
necessary in order to ensure decomposition is mitigated. Indications that
saturation is occurring are provided, and some data processing strategies are
outlined, followed by a range of detuning strategies that may be employed to
reduce saturation effects in the context of electrospray ionization mass
spectrometry (ESI-MS), including lowering voltages on detector or capillary,
increasing cone gas flow rates, or adjusting the probe position. A combination
of strategies generally allows researchers to make the best possible
compromises when studying compounds at relatively high concentration.</p>
Characterization and quantification of thiol-peptides in Arabidopsis thaliana using combined dilution and high sensitivity HPLC-ESI-MS-MS
