Intact Protein Analysis

The science of measuring proteins

Intact protein analysis is performed for a number of reasons, including determination of molecular mass (during top-down analysis) and posttranslational modification (PTM) (e.g., monoclonal antibody glycosylation). Full characterization of intact proteins is often performed on proteins that have been enriched or purified. These proteins can be introduced into the mass spectrometer (MS) by either direct infusion or through liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI).

The primary advantage of direct infusion is that it allots more time for signal averaging. However, most intact protein mixtures require separation prior to introduction into the MS to reduce precursor spectral complexity and minimize ion suppression. This separation can be performed by either on- or off-line LC. High-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) analysis is also crucial for intact protein analysis.

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Intact protein analysis solutions

Minimize protein complexity, resolve identity

Sample complexity must be minimized if intact protein analysis by MS is to be successful. Proteins must be well-resolved from one another and from various proteoforms to minimize the low thresholds of intact protein detection. Thermo Scientific ProSwift RP-4H LC Columns are ideal for use in intact protein separation prior to MS analysis; they are also designed to work with milliliter to microliter flow.

Achieve ultra high resolution of multiple proteins

Pursue the next scientific breakthrough with the best performance, productivity, and usability in a nano-, capillary-, and micro-flow UHPLC systems. The Vanquish Neo UHPLC system combines an unrivaled degree of innovation to deliver 24/7 reproducible separations of complex mixtures at maximum performance for a variety of high-sensitivity LC-MS workflows.

Go beyond today's discovery

Today’s cutting-edge research pushes LC-MS to its limits. Obtaining high confidence insights to enable accurate resolution of subtle differences and avoid costly dead-ends is needed faster than ever before. The Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometer surpasses these limits with new innovations that deliver the ultimate flexibility to expand experimental scope, and with built-in intelligence to ensure the highest data quality and confidence. One system provides maximum insights, so you productively go beyond today’s discovery.

Find the power to increase productivity

Empowering life science researchers to translate each step to a new level of insight with a next generation ownership experience coupled with an intelligence-driven experimental approach. With the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer you'll find market leading quantitative performance to solve your most complex challenges with ease, and the proven qualitative performance you expect. From exploratory to targeted quantitation, find the power and reliability to make large scale studies possible, while reducing everyday hassles as you increase productivity.

Workflow-driven biotherapeutic characterization

Screen, identify, and characterize your proteins with higher productivity and confidence. Confirm amino acid sequences, identify post-translational modifications (PTMs), or localize modifications using the automated top-down workflow. From intact protein through to peptide mapping and multi-attribute monitoring, the BioPharma Finder software helps you understand your therapeutics like never before.

Intact protein analysis workflow

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