Increasing Specificity and Sensitivity in Routine Peptide Analyses Using Mass Detection with the ACQUITY QDa Detector

6 Apr 2016

Often in protein based biotherapeutics development peptides are analyzed to assess the quality of candidate molecules using optical based assays. While this provides acceptable results orthogonal detection techniques, such as mass detection, can improve specificity, expand detection limits and increase confidence about peak homogeneity. In this application note Waters demonstrate the ACQUITY QDa Detector for the acquisition of optical and MS-based data.

Links

Tags

Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.Robotic WorkstationsRobotic workstations are automated platforms enabling the user to perform high-throughput, multi-application processes, from sample preparation tasks such as PCR set-up, DNA purification and NGS library preparation, to integrated sample prep and analysis workstations. Automation makes processes consistent, fast, precise and fully walk-away. Find the best robotic workstations in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Non-Destructive TechniquesNon-destructive techniques (NDT) describes a variety of analytical techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material. Common methods include ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, liquid penetrant, radiographic, remote visual inspection (RVI), and eddy-current testing. NDT is regularly used in forensic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, and medicine.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Molecular BiologyMolecular biology is the branch of biology that focuses on the molecular mechanisms that underlie cellular functions. It involves studying DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand gene expression, replication, and regulation. Molecular biology is fundamental to biotechnology, medicine, and genetic research. Explore molecular biology products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Quality ControlQuality control is needed in all production processes. Quality control is a monitoring procedure or set of procedures that are put in place to ensure that a manufactured product adheres to a defined set of quality criteria. PeptidesPeptides are short chains of amino acids that play key roles in biological processes, including signaling, immune responses, and enzyme regulation. Peptide research is critical in drug discovery, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best peptides and peptide-related products, compare options, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Assay DevelopmentThe process of proving an assay to be sensitive with respect to the target is known as assay development. The assay should be able to characterize novel compounds and measure the potency of these compounds against a validated biological target.BiotherapeuticsBiotherapeutics are proteins and other compounds (such as nucleic acids) produced by living organisms that have uses as therapeutics or in <i>in vivo</i> diagnostics. The most well-known example of a biotherapeutic product, and the first to be approved for therapeutic use, was recombinant human insulin.Data AcquisitionData acquisition refers to the collection and organization of information and data sets.