Application of Z-sinapinic matrix in peptide MALDI-MS analysis

Abstract

Since introduction of sinapinic acid (SA) and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid as matrices successful application of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry started for protein/polypeptides. Both show some limitations in short peptide analysis because matrix clusters are quite abundant. Cinnamics currently used are E-cinnamics. Here Z-SA as matrix for peptides is studied and compared with E-SA and CHCA. Minor number of clusters are always observed in the low m/z region allowing the detection of short peptides. The results here described show that this novel matrix is a tool of choice for direct, rapid and sensitive detection of hydrophilic and hydrophobic peptides.