Volume 6: Ionization Methods

Volume 6 captures the story of molecular ionization and its phenomenal evolution that makes mass spectrometry the powerful method it is today. Chapters 1 and 2 cover fundamentals and various issues that are common to all ionization (e.g., accurate mass, isotope clusters, and derivatization).

Chapters 3-9 acknowledge that some ionization methods are appropriate for gas-phase molecules and others for molecules that are in the solid or liquid states. Chapters 3-6 cover gas-phase molecules, dividing the subject into: (1) ionization of gas-phase molecules by particles (e.g., EI), (2) ionization by photons, (3) ionization by ion-molecule and molecule-molecule reactions (e.g., APCI and DART), and ionization in Strong electric fields (i.e., Electrohydrodynamic and Field Ionization/Desorption).

"Ionization in a Strong Electric Field" illustrates the transition to ionization of molecules in the solid or liquid states, covered in Chapters 7-9: (1) spray methods for ionization (e.g., electrospray), (2) desorption ionization by particle bombardment (e.g., FAB), and (3) desorption by photons (e.g., MALDI). Electrospray and MALDI also lead to applications in biophysical chemistry, the theme of Chapter 10.

Chapter 11 reconsiders ionization from the view of choosing an ionization method. The range of subjects is from ionization of organic and biomolecules to the study of microorganisms.
* reviews range of ionization methods used in mass spectrometry today
* includes tutorials describing the principles and instrumentation applied to each method
* considers appropriate methods of ionization for analysis of various substances

Many fundamental aspects of the methods used in mass spectrometry are here presented by outstanding scientists, with reference to very recent developments. The principles and applications of electrospray, ion spray and MALDI ionization technique are presented, together with optimised GC/MS interfacing systems and tools for quantitative analysis. A comprehensive treatment of modern instrumentation for mass analysis and detection is also included. The major part of the book deals with bioanalytical applications to peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, polysaccharides, lipids and plant metabolites. Several papers are devoted to the evaluation of adduct formation between DNA and carcinogens. Environmental applications are also included, with examples of some specific cases. Fundamentals and applications are treated with the same degree of depth: the first two parts of the book therefore provide a basis for the understanding of the biomolecular applications section. Audience: Ideal for advanced graduate students of chemistry who have learned some basic mass spectrometry. Also useful for Ph.D. students in chemistry, biology and medicine. Of value to researchers in academic and industrial laboratories.

Mass Spectrometry in the Biological Sciences covers the most recent technological and applied developments in the area, including both ionization techniques and ion analysis. It introduces and reviews some of the newer ionization methods, describes the major instrumentation involved in mass analysis, and presents the scope of the technology in biology, medicine, and environmental science. Specific examples are given for a number of topics. It also deals with recent achievements in the on-line combination of separation techniques such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and supercritical fluid technology.

Volume 3 looks at classes of biomolecules including carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids. In addition, special areas of application are included, such as pharmaceuticals, natural products, isotope ratio methods for biomolecules analysis, and clinical applications. The articles are arranged under general headings for continuity and ease of access, although several of these are of interest across the various disciplines. The articles are intended to teach and therefore strive to cover basics and sufficient additional detail to bring the reader up-to-date on a given subject. Some advanced topics are also covered, either in a special section of articles or in additional reading citations.
* Covers the major classes of biomolecules including carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids
* Includes special areas of application, such as pharmaceuticals, natural products, isotope ratio methods for biomolecules analysis, and clinical applications
* Written for students entering the field of mass spectrometry

The focus of Volume 2 of the Encyclopedia of Mass Spectrometry is on peptides and proteins, separation techniques, preparation protocols, and the fundamental characteristics as ionic gas phase species that lie within the breadth of the field of mass spectrometry. This volume is divided into four sections; experimental approaches and protocols, sequence analysis, other structural analyses, and targeted applications.
* Frontier Research on biological, biochemical, and biomedical applications of MS
* Focus on Peptides and Proteins
* Suitable for new graduate students entering the field