Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: improved matrix for oligosaccharides.

The aim of this article was to study the influence of different matrix molecules on the quality of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectra of oligosaccharides. An important criterion was the sample preparation, i.e. the crystallization process leading to the matrix from which the analytes were desorbed and investigated. Quality criteria were, among others, the resulting molecular peak intensity, the mass resolution, and the suppression of unwanted matrix peak. It was found that a mixture of 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid (DHB) and 1-hydroxy isoquinoline (HIC) in a weight ratio of 3:1 was best suited for the analytical investigation of oligosaccharides. In addition, this matrix mixture was found to be quite tolerant against all kinds of buffers, salts, and even additives such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Furthermore, we determined the different affinities of the alkaline metals to the carbohydrates and found that cesium and potassium ions ionize oligosaccharides about three times better than sodium ions and therefore have an important influence on the quantum yield.