Fully automated sample preparation and electrospray mass spectrometry analysis

Abstract

Abstract A fully automated sample preparation–mass spectrometry system has been described which prepares samples prior to electrospray mass spectrometry analysis, injects the samples, and acquires and processes the data. Fifty samples can be analysed without operator intervention within 8 hours. This type of system ensures optimum use of both the mass spectrometer, which can be in operation 24 hours per day, and the mass spectroscopist, who can concentrate on more challenging samples and spectral interpretation. The laboratory robot system used can be easily adapted for different types of sample preparation and other methods of analysis. For example, in addition to a spectrum exhibiting mainly protonated or deprotonated molecular ions, data could be acquired concurrently with a higher cone voltage, or under tandem mass spectrometry conditions, to generate structurally informative fragment ions. This sample preparation method has been adapted to encompass a variety of samples such as proteins and nucleic acids.