Label-Free Analysis of Molecular Weight in Recombinant Protein Drugs

Quality control and molecular weight characterization of recombinant protein drugs are crucial for the assessment of their safety and efficacy. In the past, common methods included labeling techniques and mass spectrometry to determine the molecular weight of proteins. However, these methods have some limitations. In recent years, the development of label-free proteomics technology has provided a new approach for the accurate determination of the molecular weight of recombinant protein drugs.

 

Mass Spectrometry Detection Technology of Label-Free Proteomics

Label-free proteomics is a type of mass spectrometry quantitative technique that does not require the use of markers. Unlike traditional labeling techniques, label-free techniques quantitatively analyze protein abundance in samples by directly comparing the mass spectrometric features of proteins. Mass spectrometry detection is a key step in label-free proteomics.

 

The mass spectrometry detection technology of label-free proteomics mainly includes the following aspects:

 

1. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

LC-MS is a commonly used mass spectrometry detection technology in label-free proteomics. It separates the sample by liquid chromatography, then ionizes and fragments the separated proteins one by one into the mass spectrometer, and finally measures the mass spectral peaks generated by the mass spectrometer. By analyzing the relative intensity of the mass spectral peaks, quantitative analysis of protein abundance differences in the sample can be achieved.

 

2. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

High-resolution mass spectrometry has high resolution and sensitivity, and can provide more accurate mass spectral peak measurement results. High-resolution mass spectrometry combined with label-free proteomics can achieve high-precision measurement and detailed analysis of the molecular weight of recombinant protein drugs.

 

3. Data Analysis and Quantitative Calculation

The mass spectrometry detection of label-free proteomics involves a large amount of data processing and analysis. By processing the mass spectrometry data, including peak extraction, mass spectral peak matching, quantitative calculation, and statistical analysis, accurate protein abundance information can be obtained and molecular weight characterization can be performed.

 

Advantages and Applications of Label-Free Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Detection

1. High Sensitivity

The mass spectrometry detection of label-free proteomics has high sensitivity and can detect proteins with low abundance in the sample. This is of great significance for analyzing complex samples or rare proteins.

 

2. Detailed Analytical Capabilities

The mass spectrometry detection of label-free proteomics can provide detailed protein mass spectrometry information, including the mass of peptides and fragment spectra, thereby revealing the sequence and modification information of proteins. This helps to further understand the function and structural characteristics of proteins.

 

3. Diverse Sample Analysis

The mass spectrometry detection technology of label-free proteomics is applicable to various types of samples, including cell extracts, body fluid samples, tissue samples, etc. It has a wide range of adaptability and application. 

 

The mass spectrometry detection technology of label-free proteomics provides an accurate measurement method for the molecular weight characterization of recombinant protein drugs through its high sensitivity and detailed analytical capabilities. Through the mass spectrometry detection of label-free proteomics, the molecular weight information of recombinant protein drugs can be revealed, and a quantitative analysis of abundance differences can be provided. This provides important technical support for drug research and development and quality control.