Enhanced Detection of Glycans by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Using a Binary Matrix of 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid and 2,6-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid

Glycans released from ovalbumin by PNGase F were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry using three different dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) matrix systems: 2,5-DHB, 2,6-DHB, and a 2,5-DHB/2,6-DHB binary matrix. Relative to the results obtained with the single-component matrices (2,5-DHB or 2,6-DHB), the 2,5-DHB/2,6-DHB binary matrix boasted lower background noise and higher sensitivity. A total of 16 glycan peaks were observed using the 2,5-DHB/2,6-DHB binary matrix, while only 10 and 9 glycan peaks were observed using the 2,5-DHB and 2,6-DHB matrices, respectively.