Analysis of biological compounds via Fourier transform mass spectrometry

Chapter one introduces key concepts for understanding the following discussion of oligosaccharides and mass spectrometry. The importance and complexity of oligosaccharides is described in depth. The necessity for separation of oligosaccharides, and several techniques used to do so are introduced. Mass spectrometry is described in depth, with focus on the ionization techniques of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization and electrospray ionization. Fourier transform mass spectrometry detection of ions is described. Tandem mass spectrometry as a technique for structural elucidation of oligosaccharides with focus on infrared multiphoton dissociation and collision induced dissociation are introduced.;The investigation of oligosaccharide cancer markers is outlined in chapter two. Ovarian cancer cell lines were initially investigated for potential oligosaccharide biomarkers. Two oligosaccharide series were observed in the supernatant of the cancer cells. The origin of these oligosaccharides was verified as the cancer cells themselves and not the growth conditions through intense background investigations. The oligosaccharide series were also detected in human serum obtained from cancer patients. Several normal serum samples were also examined, and the oligosaccharides observed in these were minimal. Prostate cancer cell line supernatants were also investigated for potential oligosaccharide cancer markers. The glycan markers were observed in the prostate cancer cell line supernatant and several patient samples.;Tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of glycan structure is discussed in chapter three, with a focus on infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD). A comparison of collision induced dissociation (CID) and IRMPD was performed for both O-linked oligosaccharides and N-linked oligosaccharides. A wide variety of glycans, including sulfated and sialyated glycans were investigated using IRMPD. A new means for ion isolation utilizing the power of IRMPD is also discussed in this chapter.;Chapter four outlines the initial investigations for separating oligosaccharides on a porous graphitic carbon (PGC) nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC) column. The separation of a mixture of standard oligosaccharides is described in depth, including description of the optimization of this separation. A complex mixture of O-linked oligosaccharide alditols was separated using a PGC nano-column as well. This mixture includes several isomers and that appear to be completely separated during the chromatography. Nano-LC with Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) detection was achieved for oligosaccharides.