Mass analysis of persuccinated derivatives of neutral oligosaccharides using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used for the mass determination of the persuccinated derivatives of neutral oligosaccharides. The persuccinated oligosaccharides were derivatized by reacting neutral oligosaccharides with succinic anhydride in pyridine. The analytes were detected mainly as (M+Na)(+) ions with 100 fmol sensitivity. This method is 10(5) times more sensitive than the direct detection of underivatized oligosaccharides. This new persuccination method can be applied not only to linear oligosaccharides but also to cyclic oligosaccharides which do not have a free hydroxy group at the anomeric site like cyclodextrins. No inorganic reagent is used and no solvent extraction or purification procedure is necessary. So this method is very convenient and efficient for the highly sensitive detection of a variety of oligosaccharides.