Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry
Unprecedented direct measurement for the characterization of mega-mass biomolecules
For those in scientific research, characterizing massive molecules with conventional methods can be misleading and fundamentally limiting when it comes to understanding biology and disease mechanisms. Meanwhile, those in pharmaceutical upstream process development working with new modalities are often forced to rely on tedious, expensive trial-and-error approaches to characterizing large biomolecules.
Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) has the potential to address the limitations of conventional mass spectrometry in resolving native intact mega-mass complexes. With CDMS Technology, we have demonstrated precise, accurate, and high-throughput direct mass measurement and characterization of mega-mass modalities, including genetic medicines, biotherapeutics, vaccines, and protein complexes, and determination of the molecular weight, purity, and heterogeneity of biomolecules in the megadalton range and beyond, all from a benchtop device.
Want to find out more? Explore the breakthrough work of Waters scientists and collaborators in the resource section.
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Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry
Blog: What Can CDMS Do for Your Lab?
Explore new possibilities with unprecedented routine characterization of mega-mass biomolecules in our latest blog on Waters CDMS Technology.
Overview
- Measure large molecules directly to reveal their native states and understand the nuances of biological functions
- Directly analyze and characterize mega-mass modalities with precision, accuracy, and throughput, opening the door to new possibilities
- Determine biological pathways involving protein complexes like proteasomes through native characterization
- Develop mRNA and AAV-based therapeutics quickly and efficiently with regulatory compliance for determination of critical quality attributes (CQAs)
- Transform your understanding of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors efficacy and safety by accurately measuring empty-partial-full ratio information
- Understand the integrity and heterogeneity of plasmid DNA used in gene therapies
- Assess the characteristics of virus-like particles (VLPs) used in vaccines, such as those against chikungunya or hepatitis B
Recommended Use: For the direct measurement of biologics in the megadalton range and beyond.
Routine characterization of analytes into megadalton regime and beyond
As an ultra-high mass analytical technique, CDMS utilizes electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) technology to deliver direct measurement of individual ions through simultaneous determination of their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and charge (z). With CDMS, your lab can determine accurate molecular weight information and reveal sample heterogeneity. CDMS applications expand into a variety of modalities, including glutamate dehydrogenase, DNA plasmids, bacteriophages, viral capsids, vaccines, virus-like particles, and nanoparticles.
Routine and accurate assessment of product integrity of rAAVs
CDMS with electrospray ionization (ESI) can be a powerful tool for expediting process development and supporting rAAV quality control. It is capable of distinguishing empty, full, and partial full particles of rAAVs capsids with ease and speed, along with providing relative quantification. CDMS can also be used to identify rAAV serotypes and to study gene of interest (GOI) through genome ejection.
Direct measurement of intact mass of protein complexes - no deconvolution required
CDMS enables direct measurement of large protein complexes, revealing their native states and enabling scientists to obtain deeper insights into the mechanisms of biological functions. Shown here is an example of the mass measurement of the intact 28-mer of the 20S Core Particle (20S CP) proteasome. The intact mass of the complex was directly measured (734 kDa) with <2% deviation as compared to the literature reported mass value.
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