CD BioGlyco is committed to providing the best solutions for global clients on Carbohydrate Separation, Purification and Analysis. We provide comprehensive glycosphingolipid structure analysis by collision-induced dissociation-mass spectrometry (CID-MS).

The Importance of GSL and Its Analysis Method

GSL has inspired scientists to investigate new techniques for its structural analysis. MS is a highly sensitive method that has become a key tool for determining the primary structure of derivatives of these compounds. For example, soft ionization techniques and fast atom bombardment (FAB) have been able to analyze underivatized GSL. However, signal identification with associated fragment ions and molecular weight information obtained is often hindered by matrix background. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the ceramide and oligosaccharide moieties reflects the complexity of these structures and may complicate the interpretation of the spectra.

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) combined with CID overcomes some of these limitations, thereby increasing structural information. The recent availability of commercial high-performance tandem mass spectrometers has added a new dimension to the analysis of biomolecules.

Fig.1 Characteristic high energy CID MS/MS fragmentation pattern of fucosylated types 1 and 2 glycan chains. (Fan, et al., 2008)

GSL Structure Analysis by CID-MS at CD BioGlyco

CD Bioglyco has developed MS-based GSL Structure Analysis Services, which include CID-MS, FAB-MS, and ESI-MS. CID is a commonly used dissociation method in mass spectrometry, which breaks ions into smaller fragments based on collisions between molecular ions. This technique is often used in combination with other techniques, such as the analysis of GSL by using fast atom bombardment high-performance tandem mass spectrometry (FAB-MS/MS). CID spectra of molecular species in positive ion mode mainly provide information on the composition of ceramide (aglycone, N-acyl residues, and long chain bases as a whole), while negative ion spectra show fragment information of sugar sequences and degree of carbohydrate branching. The advantage of MS/MS combined with CID over conventional FAB-MS is that collision spectra of individual components in a mixture can be recorded, as is commonly encountered with these samples. Furthermore, excluding most interfering signals from the matrix allows the identification of low-quality relevant fragments.

Fig.2 Advantages of GSL structural analysis by CID-MS. (CD BioGlyco)

Advantages of Us

• CID-MS we provide allows selective ion dissociation on a high-resolution mass spectrometer, eliminating sample matrix interferences.
• We provide GSL quantification services through CID-MS because the content of ion fragments is directly proportional to the content of parent ions.
• The mass spectrum of ion fragments provided by CID-MS can greatly enhance the detection sensitivity of molecular ions to be detected because ion fragments often have better photoionization efficiency and better signal intensity.
• Comprehensive and reliable after-sales service.

CD BioGlyco has developed highly specialized platforms and provides a comprehensive One-stop Solution for GSL Research. The CID-MS technology we provide is an effective means to analyze the structure of GSL. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more details without any hesitation.

Reference

1. Fan, Y.; et al. Identification of further elongation and branching of dimeric type 1 chain on lactosylceramides from colonic adenocarcinoma by tandem mass spectrometry sequencing analyses. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2008, 283(24): 16455-16468.