Native Mass Spectrometry Analysis Services

Native mass spectrometry analysis services enable the characterization and analysis of intact macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, while preserving their native structural features. Native mass spectrometry is a relatively novel technique within the field of mass spectrometry and has seen rapid advancements in recent years, particularly in improving sensitivity, resolution, and practicality. With the emergence of new-generation mass spectrometers, sample preparation and separation methods, targeted fragmentation techniques, and specialized software solutions, the number of practitioners and applications in both academia and industry has significantly increased. As a result, native mass spectrometry analysis services provide comprehensive analysis and characterization of a wide range of macromolecules, including proteins, ribonucleoprotein complexes, intact biopharmaceuticals, plasma proteins, and the interactions between proteins and small molecule ligands (such as lipids, drugs, and carbohydrates).

 

Mass Spectrometer Selection: Compared to proteins ionized under denaturing conditions, large protein complexes ionized via native electrospray ionization (ESI) acquire fewer charges. Therefore, analyzers with extended m/z ranges (up to m/z = 20,000 or higher) are required for their analysis. In its early decades, the field of native mass spectrometry heavily relied on time-of-flight (TOF)-based mass analyzers. In addition to TOF-based analyzers, ion trap-based instruments have also been modified and optimized for native mass spectrometry analysis. The development of commercial Orbitrap mass analyzers with extended mass ranges has significantly advanced the field of non-denaturing MS. Consequently, this technology is increasingly being adopted not only by academic users but also by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

 



Sem Tamara. et al.Chem. Rev, 2022.

Figure 1. Application of Native Mass Spectrometry.

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

Leveraging an advanced mass spectrometry platform, the native mass spectrometry analysis services provided by MtoZ Biolabs mainly includes data acquisition and data analysis.

 

1. Data Acquisition

According to the detection standard of native mass spectrometry, the appropriate chromatographic conditions and high-performance SEC chromatographic column were selected to obtain the optimal chromatographic peak map; the proprietary mass spectrometry acquisition parameters were set for native mass spectrometry, and the ion transport voltage was enhanced by increasing the ion transport voltage, improve the efficiency of ion transport to obtain more and stronger mass spectrum information. Supported by multiple Orbitrap series mass spectrometers and Astral mass spectrometers, the MtoZ Biolabs’s native mass spectrometry analysis services platform ensure high resolution, precision, and sensitivity, while maintaining high sample throughput and data quality.

 

2. Data Analysis

The resulting mass spectrometry data is processed using Biopharma Finder software to perform deconvolution operations (with adjustable parameters tailored to sample complexity to achieve optimal results). MtoZ Biolabs employs professional characterization software to interpret complex native mass spectrometry data and deliver comprehensive and detailed reports.

 

Analysis Workflow

 



Wang, Q Y. et al. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2024.

Figure 2. Flow Chart of Native Omics Detection.

 

Service Advantages

1. Multiple Mass Spectrometers

MtoZ Biolabs is equipped with multiple high-resolution mass spectrometers from Thermo, ensuring rapid data acquisition and high-accuracy services.

 

2. Transparent Pricing

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees or additional fees.

 

3. High Data Quality

By using more reasonable experimental protocol methods, we provide customers with higher quality data and more comprehensive data reports and charts.

 

4. Customized Research Solutions

Personalized services are available based on sample requirements to address diverse research questions and experimental needs.

 

Sample Submission Suggestions

1. Sample Types

Recombinant proteins, protein complexes, and protein-small molecule complexes.

 

2. Sample Amount

Native mass spectrometry analysis services typically require at least ten times the sample amount compared to conventional denaturing MS analysis.

Note: If you have any special requirements or need assistance with sample preparation, please contact us.

 

Applications

1. Structural Analysis

Investigate the structure and composition of complexes such as protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, and protein-small molecule complexes through native mass spectrometry analysis.

 

2. Molecular Interaction Analysis

Use native mass spectrometry analysis services for enzyme-substrate interactions and drug screening.

 

3. Biologics Quality Control

Native mass spectrometry analysis techniques are applicable to the development and quality control of antibody-based drugs and vaccines.

 

4. Sample Analysis

Blood hemoglobin subunits as well as humoral disease markers can be detected through native mass spectrometry analysis services platform.

 

Case Study

1. Molecular Weight Detection of Hemoglobin Subunits in a Single Live Red Blood Cell Using Native Mass Spectrometry

Native mass spectrometry can determine the molecular weight of protein complexes. Typically, natural mass spectrometry samples are separated, purified, and prepared in volatile solutions. However, to study protein functions in live cells, it is necessary to characterize protein complexes without isolation/purification, using minimal sample amounts. This study optimized the “live single-cell MS” method—commonly applied in metabolomics—and used it to directly observe hemoglobin from human red blood cells. By optimizing experimental methods and conditions, the authors obtained native mass spectrometry of hemoglobin using only single red blood cells and sampled them directly into a nanoelectrospray ionization emitter using a micromanipulator and microsyringe system.  In other words, the optimized native mass spectrometry  analysis services can analyze approximately 0.45 fmol of hemoglobin sampled directly from red blood cells.This is the first report of natural mass spectrometry analysis of endogenous proteins from a single intact human cell.

 



Waka Sakamoto. et al. Anal Chem, 2021.

Figure 3. Flow Chart of Molecular Weight Detection by Native Mass Spectrometry of Single Red Blood Cells.

 

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Experimental Details

 

2. Materials, Instruments, and Methods

 

3. Total Ion Chromatogram & Quality Control Assessment (project-dependent)

 

4. Data Analysis

 

5. Raw Data Files

 

MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (MS) Services Provider, provides advanced proteomics, metabolomics, and biopharmaceutical analysis services to researchers in biochemistry, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical fields. Our ultimate aim is to provide more rapid, high-throughput, and cost-effective analysis, with exceptional data quality and minimal sample consumption. Free project evaluation, welcome to learn more details!