Selected Topics in Mass Spectrometry in the Biomolecular Sciences

Many fundamental aspects of the methods used in mass spectrometry are presented here, with reference to recent developments. The principles and applications of electrospray, ion spray and MALDI ionization technique are included, together with optimised GC/MS interfacing systems and tools for quantitative analysis. There is also a comprehensive treatment of modern instrumentation for mass analysis and detection. The major part of the book deals with bioanalytical applications to peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, polysaccharides, lipids and plant metabolites. Several contributions are devoted to the evaluation of adduct formation between DNA and carcinogens. Environmental applications are also included, with examples of some specific cases. Fundamentals and applications are treated with the same degree of depth, and the first two parts of the book therefore provide a basis for the understanding of the biomolecular-applications section. The book is intended for advanced graduate students of chemistry who have learned some basic mass spectrometry, and is also suitable for PhD students in chemistry, biology and medicine, as well as researchers in academic and industrial laboratories.