Electrospray vs. matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization. 1. Some examples in the protein field

Abstract
Several proteins in the relative molecular mass (RMM) range 1150–29000 are examined by means of both positive electrospray and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Accuracy of the measured RMMs, resolution and overall sensitivity are discussed. The presence of more than one component in a number of the investigated compounds permitted the assessment of both desorption methods for the analysis of mixtures. Solvent‐induced conformational changes are linked to charge‐state distribution shifts observed in some positive electrospray mass spectra.