Taylor–Aris Dispersion-Assisted Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Native Proteins

Abstract

As has recently been shown, Taylor–Aris dispersion-assisted mass spectrometry (TADA-MS) can offer direct injection MS determinations in fields where the targets of the analyses are large molecules present in a matrix that would otherwise cause serious interferences. In the present study, we demonstrated the exceptional utility of TADA-MS in native protein analysis: (i) a dramatic improvement in detection sensitivity was found due to its ability to strongly reduce matrix interferences, (ii) more “native-like” conditions can be used during analyses, (iii) the direct injection of non-MS-compatible matrices is allowed into MS, and (iv) a considerable simplification and economization of the workflow is ensured. We investigated the behavior of different types of proteins and protein complexes present under native conditions, demonstrating the unambiguous benefits and simplicity of the method.