Hydrazide and hydrazine reagents as reactive matrices for MALDI-MS to detect gaseous aldehydes

Selective Enrichment of Sialylglycopeptides Enabled by Click Chemistry and Dynamic Covalent Exchange

Despite the important roles of protein sialylation in biological processes such as cellular interaction and cancer progression, simple and effective methods for the analysis of intact sialylglycopeptides (SGPs) are still limited. Analyses of low-abundance SGPs typically require efficient enrichment prior to comprehensive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based analysis. Here, a novel workflow combining mild periodate oxidation, hydrazide chemistry, copper-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry, and dynamic covalent exchange has been developed for selective enrichment of SGPs. The intact SGPs could be separated easily from protein tryptic digests, and the signature ions were produced during LC-MS/MS for unambiguous identification. The structure of the signature ions and corresponding dynamic covalent exchange were confirmed by using an isotopic reagent. Under the optimized condition, over 70% enrichment efficiency of SGPs was achieved using bovine fetuin digests, and the method was successfully applied to complex biological samples, such as a mouse lung tissue extract. The high enrichment efficiency, good reproducibility, and easily adopted procedure without the need to generate specialized materials make this method a promising tool for broad applications in SGP analysis.

Reactive Matrices for Analytical Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Mass Spectrometry

In recent years, a special focus is placed on the usage of reactive matrices for analytical matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Since 2003, when the term "reactive matrices" was suggested and the dignity of compounds, possessing dualistic properties as matrices and derivatization agents was demonstrated, corresponding approach has found application in various fields and, in particular, in bioanalysis (metabolomics, lipidomics, etc.). The main advantage of this methodology is that it reduces sample treatment time, simplifies the procedure of sample handling, improves the sensitivity of analysis, enhances the molecular identification and profiling. Within the framework of this review, the main attention is paid to "true" reactive matrices that interact with analyte molecules through an exchange or addition reactions. A special section discusses practical application of reactive matrices in the determination of the distribution of targeted and non-targeted organic substances on the surface of biological tissue sections by MALDI-MS imaging. In this critical review, a controversial proposal is made to consider protonating and deprotonating matrices as reactive, because they can undergo a chemical reaction such as proton transfer that occurs in both target solution and MALDI plume. In this respect, special attention is paid to "proton sponge" matrices that have found a wide application in the analysis of various acidic compounds by MALDI-MS in the negative mode. Historical data on the formation of ions and the fate of matrices in MALDI are considered at the beginning of this article.

MALDI Matrices for the Analysis of Low Molecular Weight Compounds: Rational Design, Challenges and Perspectives

The analysis of low molecular weight (LMW) compounds is of great interest to detect small pharmaceutical drugs rapidly and sensitively, or to trace and understand metabolic pathways. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) plays a central role in the analysis of high molecular weight (bio)molecules. However, its application for LMW compounds is restricted by spectral interferences in the low m/z region, which are produced by conventional organic matrices. Several strategies regarding sample preparation have been investigated to overcome this problem. A different rationale is centred on developing new matrices which not only meet the fundamental requirements of good absorption and high ionization efficiency, but are also vacuum stable and "MALDI silent", i. e., do not give matrix-related signals in the LMW area. This review gives an overview on the rational design strategies used to develop matrix systems for the analysis of LMW compounds, focusing on (i) the modification of well-known matrices, (ii) the search for high molecular weight matrices, (iii) the development of binary, hybrid and nanomaterial-based matrices, (iv) the advance of reactive matrices and (v) the progress made regarding matrices for negative or dual polarity mode.

Options of the Main Derivatization Approaches for Analytical ESI and MALDI Mass Spectrometry

The inclusion of preliminary chemical labeling (derivatization) in the analysis process by such powerful and widespread methods as electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is a popular and widely used methodological approach. This is due to the need to remove some fundamental limitations inherent in these powerful analytic methods. Although a number of special reviews has been published discussing the utilization of derivatization approaches, the purpose of the present critical review is to comprehensively summarize, characterize and evaluate most of the previously developed and practically applied, as well as recently proposed representative derivatization reagents for ESI-MS and MALDI-MS platforms in their mostly sensitive positive ion mode and frequently hyphenated with separation techniques. The review is focused on the use of preliminary chemical labeling to facilitate the detection, identification, structure elucidation, quantification, profiling or MS imaging of compounds within complex matrices. Two main derivatization approaches, namely the introduction of permanent charge-fixed or highly proton affinitive residues into analytes are critically evaluated. In situ charge-generation, charge-switch and charge-transfer derivatizations are considered separately. The potential of using reactive matrices in MALDI-MS and chemical labeling in MS-based omics sciences is given.

Rapid and accurate profiling of oligosaccharides in beer by using a reactive matrix via MALDI-TOF MS

Oligosaccharides analysis is crucial for brewing technology. Herein, we reported a rapid and highly reproducible method for profiling of oligosaccharides in beer using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) by employing a reasonably designed reactive-matrix, 2-phenyl-3-(p-aminophenyl) acrylonitrile (PAPAN). The PAPAN enhanced ionization efficiency of oligosaccharides and improved reproducibility comparing to the use of conventional matrix, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB). After optimization of sample dilution factor and cationization agents, the distributions of maltooligosaccharides in different brands of beers were unambiguously identified. Since the PAPAN selectively reacts with the reducing end of oligosaccharides, the interferences from matrixes are effectively eliminated. Therefore, the method shows potentials for analysis of oligosaccharides in other foods.

Strategies to diversify natural products for drug discovery

Natural product libraries contain specialized metabolites derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms that play a pivotal role in drug discovery due to their immense structural diversity and wide variety of biological activities. The strategies to greatly extend natural product scaffolds through available biological and chemical approaches offer unique opportunities to access a new series of natural product analogues, enabling the construction of diverse natural product-like libraries. The affordability of these structurally diverse molecules has been a crucial step in accelerating drug discovery. This review provides an overview of various approaches to exploit the diversity of compounds for natural product-based drug development, drawing upon a series of examples to illustrate each strategy.

Letter: α,ω,N,N-Dimethylaminoalkylamines as possible derivatization agents for the analysis of small carbonyl compounds by low energy mass spectrometry

Reaction with α,ω-N,N-dimethylaminoalkylamines (2-dimethylaminoethylamine, 3- dimethylaminopropylamine, 4-dimethylaminobutylamine) to form Schiff bases followed by quaternization of the N,N-dimethylamino group by alkyl (deuteroalkyl) halides to generate fixed-charge fragments is suggested for the characterization of carbonyl compounds by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. As model objects, some aliphatic aldehydes and alicyclic and steroid ketones were involved in the modification. Using gas chromatography mass spectrometry, the first modification stage proved to be quantitative. Not only the MALDI conditions but also the nanostructurized target provided spectra that revealed peaks for the cationic parts of derivatives. It was shown that the use of deuterated alkyl halides allows one to prepare deuterium-labeled standards for possible quantitative analysis.

2-Hydrazinoquinoline: a reactive matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to detect gaseous carbonyl compounds

The sensitivity, range of applications, and reaction mechanism of 2-hydrazinoquinoline as a reactive matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) were examined. Using a reaction chamber (125L) equipped with a stirring fan and a window for moving the MALDI-MS plate and volatile samples in and out, the sensitivities of 2-hydrazinoquinoline to gaseous aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and n-butyraldehyde) and ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone) were determined to be at least parts per million (ppm) levels. On the other hand, carboxylic acids (formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid) and esters (ethyl acetate, pentyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, and methyl salicylate) could not be detected by 2-hydrazinoquinoline in MALDI-MS. In addition to 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, a common derivatization reagent for analyzing carbonyl compounds quantitatively in gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, the dissolution of 2-hydrazinoquinoline in an acidic solution, such as trifluoroacetic acid, was essential for its function as a reactive matrix for MALDI- MS.

Reactive matrices for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of primary amines

Some aromatic carbonyl compounds [2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (2,4-DHBA), 2,5- dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP), 2,3,5-trihydroxybenzaldehyde and 2,4-dinitrobenzaldehyde] were examined as potential reactive matrices for the analysis of mono-, di-, and polyamines by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS). Although all the above compounds readily and quantitatively react with primary amines to form Schiff bases (the completeness of the reactions was proved by gas chromatography MS of derivatized aliphatic amines), only DHBA and DHAP provide efficient desorption/ionization under MALDI conditions. This means that two these aromatic carbonyl compounds can simultaneously exhibit properties of both derivatization agents and efficient matrices for MALDI-MS analysis. The use of such reactive matrices eliminates the need to perform additional derivatization experiments. With the aid of DHBA and DHAP, it was confirmed that each individual oligomer of polypropylene glycols and co- polyethylene/propylene glycols contained two terminal amino groups. To calculate the number of NH2 groups, mass increments of the introduced groups and a difference in the masses of cations attached to the initial and derivatized amines were used. The suggested approach, involving the application of the same reactive matrices, was applied to the determination of a number of NH(2) groups in individual oligomers of branched polyethyleneimines (PEIs) by MALDI-MS. In this case, DHAP appeared to be the best reactive matrix. The dependence of the number of NH(2) groups on the quantity of monomeric units and branching of each individual PEI oligomer is shown.

Hydrazide and hydrazine reagents as reactive matrices for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to detect steroids with carbonyl groups

Fifty-one reagents (37 hydrazides and 14 hydrazines) were examined to determine if they could function as reactive matrices for the detection of steroids with carbonyl groups in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Among these reagents, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydrazide reacted most efficiently with steroids with carbonyl groups, allowing detection of them at the 1pmol level. Results from accurate mass measurement with a JMS-S3000 Spiral-TOF suggested that the ion peaks corresponding to the protonated fragment of a hydrazone were observed, in addition to the protonated molecular peaks of the resulting hydrazones ([M(D)+H](+)) and their sodium adduct ([M(D)+Na](+)). 3-Hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydrazide also could detect cortisol (1.93ng) spiked in a human serum certified reference material, as well as cortisone and cortisol in a human saliva sample collected in the morning. Using a combination of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydrazide and α- cyano-4-hydroxycinammic acid (CHCA) (3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydrazide:CHCA=4:1, v/v), even cortisone and cortisol in a human saliva sample collected in the afternoon, when levels are typically low, could be detected effectively.