Carbohydrate analysis by desorption electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

We report the use of desorption electrospray ionization hybrid Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (DESI-FT-ICR-MS) for the analysis of carbohydrates. Spectra of neat carbohydrates are presented along with their mass measurement accuracies and limits of detection. Furthermore, a comparison is made between the analyses of O-linked glycans from mucin by DESI-FT-ICR-MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Finally, glycans from mucin are identified by using the high mass measurement accuracy and tandem MS capabilities afforded by the hybrid FT-ICR-MS platform.