Matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes

In this work, we have analysed matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra of [PtCl(2)(en)], [PtCl(2)(dach)] and [PdCl(dien)]Cl acquired either with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) or alpha-cyano-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) as matrices. For certain experiments, small amounts of trifluoro, acetic acid (TFA) or higher concentration of inorganic salts (NaCl or KCl) was added to the matrix solution. The majority of peaks arising from the Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes could be identified, but certain ions detectable in the spectra were generated upon ligand loss. Additionally. the analysis of Pt(II) complexes was also possible in the presence of a higher salt content, which is a commonly used analysis condition for the samples of biological origin. While DHB appears to be the best suited for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric analysis of Pt(II) complexes, CHCA seems to be a better matrix for Pd(II) complex used in this study. On the other hand, small amounts of TFA improve the spectra quality of Pt(II) complexes. but lead most probably to the degradation of Pd(II) complex. Taken together, we have demonstrated that the analysis of metallo-drugs using MALDI-TOF MS, though accompanied with certain identification problems, is easy and reliable. On the other hand, having in mind that some complexes (i.e. a combination of a particular transition metal/ligand) cannot be analysed under conditions usually applied for others, we deem it necessary to find out the best conditions for MALDI-TOF MS analysis of each metal complex. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved