UPLC HILIC/TUV/MS can be used for the separation of glycopeptides in a workflow that is complementary to HILIC/FLR separation of N-linked glycans released from the protein. With this method, information about glycan heterogeneity and site occupancy is preserved and the same tryptic digest used for peptide mapping can be used.
Since it does not require glycan release and labeling, complexity of sample preparation is reduced. This method is useful in the development and quality control of new protein-based therapies.
UPLC HILIC/TUV/MS is suitable for characterization of glycoproteins and in particular for monoclonal antibodies, which represent the main class of biotherapeutics. This method can speed up the development and quality control of new therapies, as well as improve safety and efficacy of protein drugs.