title: An improved rapid mixing device for time-resolved electrospray mass spectrometry measurements.
abstract: Time series data can provide valuable insight into the complexity of biological reactions. Such information can be obtained by mass-spectrometry-based approaches that measure pre-steady-state kinetics. These methods are based on a mixing device that rapidly mixes the reactants prior to the on-line mass measurement of the transient intermediate steps. Here, we describe an improved continuous-flow mixing apparatus for real-time electrospray mass spectrometry measurements. Our setup was designed to minimize metal-solution interfaces and provide a sheath flow of nitrogen gas for generating stable and continuous spray that consequently enhances the signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, the device was planned to enable easy mounting onto a mass spectrometer replacing the commercial electrospray ionization source. We demonstrate the performance of our apparatus by monitoring the unfolding reaction of cytochrome C, yielding improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced experimental repeat errors.
authors: Department of Chemistry, York University Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 (Canada).
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Zinck
authors: Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science 76100 Rehovot (Israel) E-mail: michal.sharon@weizmann.ac.il.
authors: Ann-Kathrin
authors: AK
authors: Stark
authors: Department of Chemistry, York University Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 (Canada).
authors: Derek J
authors: DJ
authors: Wilson
authors: Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science 76100 Rehovot (Israel) E-mail: michal.sharon@weizmann.ac.il.
authors: Michal
authors: M
authors: Sharon
keywords: kinetics; mass spectrometry; on-line measurements; proteins; rapid mixing device; structure characterization of biomolecules; time-resolved experiments