Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Studies of Low Molecular Weight Dendrimers

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenwen Zhao ◽  
Shaoxiang Xiong ◽  
Xiangwen Liu ◽  
Bin Xin ◽  
Guanghui Wang

We report the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry, with delayed extraction in the reflectron mode, for the characterization of low molecular weight dendrimers. 20 dendrimer samples were measured and 4 typical dendrimers, as examples, are discussedin detail. Several factors that affect the analysis including the matrices used, the concentrations of sample, the solvents and cationization reagent used, were investigated in detail. Experimental results indicate that the type of solvent can greatly influence exact mass measurement. However, sample preparation is generally not very critical for dendrimer analysis using MALDI-ToF since many kinds of matrices and a wide range of sample concentrations can be used efficiently. In addition, the Cs+ ion can be used to enhance the efficiency of cationization. Some reasons for this behavior are discussed on the basis of results of calculations using Gaussian94 software (a connected system of programs for performing a variety of semi-empirical and ab initio molecular orbital (MO) calculations).

2000 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 4720-4724 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Magnuson ◽  
James H. Owens ◽  
Catherine A. Kelty

ABSTRACT Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to investigate whole and freeze-thawed Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Whole oocysts revealed some mass spectral features. Reproducible patterns of spectral markers and increased sensitivity were obtained after the oocysts were lysed with a freeze-thaw procedure. Spectral-marker patterns forC. parvum were distinguishable from those obtained forCryptosporidium muris. One spectral marker appears specific for the genus, while others appear specific at the species level. Three different C. parvum lots were investigated, and similar spectral markers were observed in each. Disinfection of the oocysts reduced and/or eliminated the patterns of spectral markers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Denis ◽  
Marie Machouart ◽  
Florent Morio ◽  
Marcela Sabou ◽  
Catherine Kauffmann-LaCroix ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The genus Malassezia comprises commensal yeasts on human skin. These yeasts are involved in superficial infections but are also isolated in deeper infections, such as fungemia, particularly in certain at-risk patients, such as neonates or patients with parenteral nutrition catheters. Very little is known about Malassezia epidemiology and virulence. This is due mainly to the difficulty of distinguishing species. Currently, species identification is based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Only molecular biology techniques identify species with certainty, but they are time-consuming and expensive. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) database for identifying Malassezia species by mass spectrometry. Eighty-five Malassezia isolates from patients in three French university hospitals were investigated. Each strain was identified by internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Forty-five strains of the six species Malassezia furfur , M. sympodialis , M. slooffiae , M. globosa , M. restricta , and M. pachydermatis allowed the creation of a MALDI-TOF database. Forty other strains were used to test this database. All strains were identified by our Malassezia database with log scores of >2.0, according to the manufacturer's criteria. Repeatability and reproducibility tests showed a coefficient of variation of the log score values of <10%. In conclusion, our new Malassezia database allows easy, fast, and reliable identification of Malassezia species. Implementation of this database will contribute to a better, more rapid identification of Malassezia species and will be helpful in gaining a better understanding of their epidemiology.


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