Rapid validation of molecular structures of biological samples by electrospray-mass spectrometry

AbstractA short account is presented of the method of measuring molecular masses (Mr) of pure biological samples by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. It is demonstrated that the technique yields Mr values with an effective accuracy equal to or better than 0.008% of the calculated Mr, provided that the correct molecular structure is employed in the calculation. It is therefore recommended that this method of measuring Mr's should be considered to form an essential part of all studies aimed at elucidating the molecular structure of purified biological macromolecules or for confirming the identity of labelled samples of such molecules