Manifestation of Rayleigh Instability in Droplets Containing Multiply Charged Macroions

Real-Time Monitoring of the Evaporation and Fission of Electrospray-Ionized Polystyrene Beads and Bacterial Pellets at Elevated Temperatures

This study uses real-time monitoring, at microsecond time scales, with a charge-sensing particle detector to investigate the evaporation and fission processes of methanol/micrometer-sized polystyrene beads (PS beads) droplets and bacterial particles droplets generated via electrospray ionization (ESI) under elevated temperatures. By incrementally raising capillary temperatures, the solvent, such as methanol on 0.75 μm PS beads, experiences partial evaporation. Further temperature increase induces fission, and methanol molecules continue to evaporate until PS ions are detected after this range. Similar partial evaporation is observed on 3 μm PS beads. However, the shorter period of the fission temperature range is necessary compared to 0.75 μm PS beads. For the spherical-shaped bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, the desolvation process shows a similar fission period as compared to 0.75 μm PS beads. Comparably, the rod-shaped bacteria, Escherichia coli EC11303, and E. coli strain W have shorter fission periods than S. aureus. This research provides insights into the evaporation and fission mechanisms of ESI droplets containing different sizes and shapes of micrometer-sized particles, contributing to a better understanding of gaseous macroion formation.

Limitations of Atomistic Molecular Dynamics to Reveal Ejection of Proteins from Charged Nanodroplets

Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) is frequently used to unravel the mechanisms of macroion release from electrosprayed droplets. However, atomistic MD is currently feasible for only the smallest window of droplet sizes appearing at the end steps of a droplet's lifetime. The relevance of the observations made to the actual droplet evolution, which is much longer than the simulated sizes, has not been addressed yet in the literature. Here, we perform a systematic study of the desolvation mechanisms of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), protonated peptides of different compositions, and proteins, to (a) obtain insight into the charging mechanism of macromolecules in larger droplets than those that are currently amenable to atomistic MD and (b) examine whether currently used atomistic MD modeling can establish the extrusion mechanism of proteins from droplets. To mimic larger droplets that are not amenable to MD modeling, we scale down the systems, by simulating a large droplet size relative to the macromolecule. MD of PEG charging reveals that, above a critical droplet size, ions are available near the backbone of the macromolecule, but charging occurs only transiently by transfer of ions from the solvent to the macroion, while below the critical size, the capture of the ion from PEG has a lifetime sufficiently long for the extrusion of a charged PEG from the aqueous droplet. This is the first report of the role of droplet curvature in the relation between macroion conformation and charging. Simulations of protonated peptides with a high degree of hydrophobicity show that partial extrusion of a peptide from the droplet surface is rare relative to desolvation by drying-out. Different from what has been presented in the literature, we argue that atomistic MD simulations have not sufficiently established the extrusion mechanism of proteins from droplets and their charging mechanism. We also argue that release of highly charged proteins can occur at an earlier stage of a droplet's lifetime than predicted by atomistic MD. In this earlier stage, we emphasize the key role of jets emanating from a droplet at the point of charge-induced instability in the release of proteins.

Atomistic Modeling of Jet Formation in Charged Droplets

The first atomistic simulations that reveal the mechanism of Rayleigh fission are presented. It is demonstrated that simple ion or macroion ejection takes place through droplet deformation from a spherical into a distinct "tear" shape that contains a conical protrusion. We assert that the latter state is a free-energy minimum along an order parameter that measures the degree of droplet asphericity. The charged droplet's long-time evolution proceeds by alternating between the two minima above and below the critical value that are reached through solvent evaporation and ion ejection, respectively. For the first time, this mechanism allows one to explain the nature of the progeny droplets and the percentage of charge lost during fission. The cone half angle is estimated and found to be in good agreement with the value predicted from the solution of the electrostatic equation for the dielectric liquid. It is found that the conical deformation is independent of the effect of electrohydrodynamic forces reported in experiments. Contrary to the experimental observations of two diametrically opposite jets for droplets suspended in the electric field, we find that a single jet is formed at the Rayleigh limit. The study provides insight into the mechanism of capture of a macroion in jets appearing in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) experiments and may explain the tolerance of the ESI-MS spectrum to salt contamination of the sample.

Low Density Interior in Supercooled Aqueous Nanodroplets Expels Ions to the Subsurface

The interaction between water and ions within droplets plays a key role in the chemical reactivity of atmospheric and man-made aerosols. Here we report direct computational evidence that in supercooled aqueous nanodroplets a lower density core of tetrahedrally coordinated water expels the cosmotropic ions to the denser and more disordered subsurface. In contrast, at room temperature, depending on the nature of the ion, the radial distribution in the droplet core is nearly uniform or elevated toward the center. We analyze the spatial distribution of a single ion in terms of a reference electrostatic model. The energy of the system in the analytical model is expressed as the sum of the electrostatic and surface energy of a deformable droplet. The model predicts that the ion is subject to a harmonic potential centered at the droplet's center of mass. We name this effect "electrostatic confinement". The model's predictions are consistent with the simulation findings for a single ion at room temperature but not at supercooling. We anticipate this study to be the starting point for investigating the structure of supercooled (electro)sprayed droplets that are used to preserve the conformations of macromolecules originating from the bulk solution.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Molecular Simulations of Electrosprayed Droplets

The origin and the magnitude of the charge in a macroion are critical questions in mass spectrometry analysis coupled to electrospray and other ionization techniques that transfer analytes from the bulk solution into the gaseous phase via droplets. In many circumstances, it is the later stages of the existence of a macroion in the containing solvent drop before the detection that determines the final charge state. Experimental characterization of small (with linear dimensions of several nanometers) and short-lived droplets is quite challenging. Molecular simulations in principle may provide insight exactly in this challenging for experiments regime. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the molecular modeling of electrosprayed droplets using molecular dynamics. We illustrate the limitations of the molecular modeling in the analysis of large macroions and specifically proteins away from their native states. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

When droplets become stars: charged dielectric droplets beyond the Rayleigh limit

When a nano-drop comprising a single spherical central ion and dielectric solvent is charged above a well-defined threshold, it acquires a stable star morphology. In contrast, conducting droplets, will undergo fission. Here we report combined atomistic molecular dynamics and continuum modelling study of star formation of droplets that contain a highly charged ion. We assume that in the continuum model the dielectric response is linear. In this linear continuum model, which is an extension of Rayleigh model, the energy of the drop is comprised of terms analogous to those in Rayleigh model, which are surface energy and electrostatic energy of dielectric droplet charged by a central point charge. We present the stability analysis of the continuum model to determine the threshold of instability. Indeed we find that the model accounts well for the onset of the instabilities. Molecular dynamics show that the number of points of the star-shaped nano-drops depends only on the surface tension, dielectric constant and size of the droplet, and on the magnitude of the charge of the central ion, but not on its sign. Intuitively, it is expected that when a spherical dielectric drop becomes unstable it would transform into a non-spherical finite shape of the same volume as the initial spherical shape with the point charge located in the drop interior. To test whether the extended Rayleigh model can account for the observed droplet shapes, we performed numerical simulations of the linear continuum model. Contrary to the expectations, the simulations of the extended Rayleigh model does not reproduce the stable star shapes found in the atomistic simulations, not even when we account for the bending rigidity and spontaneous curvature of the surface. We argue that the assumption that the dielectric response is linear breaks down if the droplet surface approaches the central macro-ion, where the electric field strength is such that dielectric saturation sets in. We envisage that for certain solvents, these stars could be made permanent by cross-linking, opening the way to the production of a novel class of highly-non-convex colloids.

Charging and Release Mechanisms of Flexible Macromolecules in Droplets

We study systematically the charging and release mechanisms of a flexible macromolecule, modeled by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), in a droplet by using molecular dynamics simulations. We compare how PEG is solvated and charged by sodium Na⁺ ions in a droplet of water (H₂O), acetonitrile (MeCN), and their mixtures. Initially, we examine the location and the conformation of the macromolecule in a droplet bearing no net charge. It is revealed that the presence of charge carriers do not affect the location of PEG in aqueous and MeCN droplets compared with that in the neutral droplets, but the location of the macromolecule and the droplet size do affect the PEG conformation. PEG is charged on the surface of a sodiated aqueous droplet that is found close to the Rayleigh limit. Its charging is coupled to the extrusion mechanism, where PEG segments leave the droplet once they coordinate a Na⁺ ion or in a correlated motion with Na⁺ ions. In contrast, as PEG resides in the interior of a MeCN droplet, it is sodiated inside the droplet. The compact macro-ion transitions through partially unwound states to an extended conformation, a process occurring during the final stage of desolvation and in the presence of only a handful of MeCN molecules. For charged H₂O/MeCN droplets, the sodiation of PEG is determined by the H₂O component, reflecting its slower evaporation and preference over MeCN for solvating Na⁺ ions. We use the simulation data to construct an analytical model that suggests that the droplet surface electric field may play a role in the macro-ion-droplet interactions that lead to the extrusion of the macro-ion. This study provides the first evidence of the effect of the surface electric field by using atomistic simulations. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Stability of a Transient Protein Complex in a Charged Aqueous Droplet with Variable pH

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has the potential to become a high-throughput robust experimental method for the detection of protein-protein equilibrium constants. Poorly understood processes that affect the stability of weak noncovalent protein complexes in the intervening droplet environment are a significant factor that precludes the advancement of the method. We use molecular dynamics to study the stability of a ubiquitin and ubiquitin-associated domain complex (RCSB PDB code 2MRO ) in an aqueous droplet with changing size and charge concentration. We present evidence that a weak protein complex changes conformation and may dissociate in shrinking droplets. Then, the droplets containing these dissociated proteins divide. Our findings suggest that in some cases ESI-MS does not measure the correct association constants. The study intends to stimulate research for systematic development of experimental protocols that stabilize weakly bound protein interfaces in droplets.

Characterization of "Star" Droplet Morphologies Induced by Charged Macromolecules

"Star" morphologies of charged liquid droplets are distinct droplet conformations that, for a certain charge squared to volume ratio, have lower energy than their spherically shaped analogues. For these shapes to appear, the charge should be carried by a single ionic species. A typical example of a charge carrier that we employ in this study is a fully charged double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (dsDNA) in an aqueous and an acetonitrile droplet. We characterize the structure and dynamics of the star-shaped droplets. We find that by increasing the charge squared to volume ratio, the droplet evolves from spherical to "spiky" shapes, by first passing from droplet sizes that undergo enhanced shape fluctuations relative to those of the larger spherical droplets. These fluctuations mark the onset of the instability. We also find that in the spiky droplet, the orientation of the solvent molecules in the first shell about the dsDNA is very close to that in the bulk solution. However, this orientation is substantially different farther away from the dsDNA. With regards to dynamics, the motion of the spikes is reflected in the autocorrelation functions of rotationally invariant order parameters that show a damped oscillator form of decay, indicative of the elastic motion of the spikes. We compare the formation of spikes with that of the ferrofluids and the dielectric materials in an electric field, and we conclude that they represent a different entity that deserves its own characterization. The study provides insight into the manner in which the charge distribution may give rise to well-controlled droplet morphologies and calls for experiments in this direction.

Charge-induced instabilities of droplets containing macromolecular complexes

Solvated macromolecular complexes are ubiquitous in nature, notably in biological systems containing proteins and nucleic acids. Studies of the interactions within a macromolecular complex and between the complex and the solvent in droplet environments are critical for understanding the stability of macromolecular complexes in electrospray ionization (ESI) and nanofluidic experiments. In this study, two distinct cases of macromolecular complexes in aqueous nanodrops are examined by using molecular dynamics simulations: (i) a pair of sodiated poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) macroions and (ii) a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). PEG represents a case in which the surface energy of the aqueous droplet is larger than the solvent–macromolecule energy. Conversely, in a droplet solvating dsDNA, the solvent–macromolecule interaction energy overcomes the solvent interaction energy. We report that charge-induced instabilities previously identified for single macroions also appear in the case of complexes, but with a higher level of complexity. In the case of a pair of PEG macroions, we found that their conformations on the surface of a droplet “sense” each other. The charged PEGs are each released from a droplet at different times through contiguous extrusion or drying-out mechanisms. In the case of the DNA, the charge-induced instability manifests as a spine droplet morphology. Narrow regions of the spines promote break down of the hydrogen bonds that hold the dsDNA together. The dsDNA separates into two single strands as it is increasingly exposed to vacuum. These findings elucidate charge-induced instabilities of macromolecular complexes in droplets, which are critical intermediates in ESI and nanofluidic experiments.

How do non-covalent complexes dissociate in droplets? A case study of the desolvation of dsDNA from a charged aqueous nanodrop

We present the desolvation mechanism of a double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (dsDNA) from an aqueous nanodrop studied by using atomistic molecular dynamics methods.

Practical Considerations and Current Limitations in Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics

Quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics continues to evolve through advances in sample preparation, chemical and biochemical reagents, instrumentation, and software. The breadth of proteomes and biological applications combined with unique experimental goals makes optimizing MS-based proteomics workflows a daunting task. Several MS-based instrument platforms are commercially available with LC-MS/MS being the most common for quantitative proteomics studies. Although the direction of LC-MS/MS instrumentation development is toward more user-friendly interfaces, there remain fundamental aspects of the technology that can be optimized for improving data quality. The intent of this chapter is to provide an introductory framework for understanding some of the more significant LC-MS/MS experimental conditions that can influence quantitative MS-based proteomics measurements, including electrospray ionization (ESI) bias and ion transmission efficiency. Because each commercial LC-MS/MS system is unique with regard to ESI source, transmission optics, ion isolation and trapping, ion fragmentation, and mass analysis, the use of design of experiments (DoE) is discussed as a potential approach for efficiently optimizing multiple inter-related factors.

Manifestations of charge induced instability in droplets effected by charged macromolecules

Ion-release processes from droplets that contain excess charge are of central importance in determining the charge-state distributions of macromolecules in electrospray ionization methods. We develop an analytical theory to describe the mechanism of contiguous extrusion of a charged macromolecule from a droplet. We find that the universal parameter determining the system behavior is the ratio of solvation energy per unit length to the square of the ion charge density per unit length. Systems with the same value of the ratio will follow the same path in the course of droplet evaporation. The analytical model is compared with molecular simulations of charged polyethylene glycol macroion in aqueous droplets, and the results are in excellent agreement.

Matrix assisted ionization: new aromatic and nonaromatic matrix compounds producing multiply charged lipid, peptide, and protein ions in the positive and negative mode observed directly from surfaces

Matrix assisted inlet ionization (MAII) is a method in which a matrix:analyte mixture produces mass spectra nearly identical to electrospray ionization without the application of a voltage or the use of a laser as is required in laserspray ionization (LSI), a subset of MAII. In MAII, the sample is introduced by, for example, tapping particles of dried matrix:analyte into the inlet of the mass spectrometer and, therefore, permits the study of conditions pertinent to the formation of multiply charged ions without the need of absorption at a laser wavelength. Crucial for the production of highly charged ions are desolvation conditions to remove matrix molecules from charged matrix:analyte clusters. Important factors affecting desolvation include heat, vacuum, collisions with gases and surfaces, and even radio frequency fields. Other parameters affecting multiply charged ion production is sample preparation, including pH and solvent composition. Here, findings from over 100 compounds found to produce multiply charged analyte ions using MAII with the inlet tube set at 450 °C are presented. Of the compounds tested, many have -OH or -NH(2) functionality, but several have neither (e.g., anthracene), nor aromaticity or conjugation. Binary matrices are shown to be applicable for LSI and solvent-free sample preparation can be applied to solubility restricted compounds, and matrix compounds too volatile to allow drying from common solvents. Our findings suggest that the physical properties of the matrix such as its morphology after evaporation of the solvent, its propensity to evaporate/sublime, and its acidity are more important than its structure and functional groups.

Structure and stability of charged clusters

When a cluster or nanodroplet bears charge, its structure and thermodynamics are altered and, if the charge exceeds a certain limit, the system becomes unstable with respect to fragmentation. Some of the key results in this area were derived by Rayleigh in the nineteenth century using a continuum model of liquid droplets. Here we revisit the topic using a simple particle-based description, presenting a systematic case study of how charge affects the physical properties of a Lennard-Jones cluster composed of 309 particles. We find that the ability of the cluster to sustain charge depends on the number of particles over which the charge is distributed-a parameter not included in Rayleigh's analysis. Furthermore, the cluster may fragment before the charge is strong enough to drive all charged particles to the surface. The charged particles in stable clusters are therefore likely to reside in the cluster's interior even without considering solvation effects.