Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry

<h2 class="heading-underline">Native MS</h2>

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:500px;border: 0px solid white;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" class="heading-underline"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 0px solid white"><img alt="Non-covalent (native) MS" src="/biologicalsciences/images/noncovalent.png" /></td><td style="text-align: left;vertical-align:text-top;border: 0px solid white"><strong>Useful for:</strong><ul><li>Determining complex stoichiometry</li><li>Assessing protein conformation</li><li>Characterising oligomerisation behaviour</li><li>Measuring CCS values using IMS-MS</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

Mass spectrometry can be used to determine sub-unit stoichiometry and heterogeneity of protein complexes by using conditions that can preserve non-covalent interactions into the gas phase.

The success of a non-covalent MS measurement will depend upon the sample purity, concentration and the type of interaction predominating in the complex.

Electrostatic interaction tend to be enhanced in the absence of bulk solvent whereas hydrophobic interactions tend to be weakend.

Buffer exchange columns, spin dialysis filters and button dialysis options are available in the Facility and it is best to perform buffer exchange immediately prior to analysis where possible.

Sample concentration should be greater than 20 uM where possible and a minimal sample volume of 50 uL.

Sample analysis

Internal users can arrange to analyse their samples at any time. For new users, please come to the MS lab and have a chat with a member of the Facility staff and we can give you all the information that you need to get started and arrange training on the instruments. 

Instrument time can be requested through our online booking system iLab. Internal users can log in with their Univeristy credentials. 

Please note that by booking instrument time in the MS Facility you agree to our conditions of service and publications policy. A copy of which can be found here.

Users external to the University can find additional information here. 

Notes

The concentrations and volumes stated above are provided as a guide only. We will still accept and attempt MS analysis on samples of lower (or unknown) concentration and/or volume.