Molecular Weight Determination of Oligosaccharides

Purpose
Determination of the molecular weight and structure of oligosaccharides in glycoproteins.  Carbohydrates in glycoproteins are first released by enzymatic digestion (N-linked glycans) or chemical digestion (O-linked glycans). 

Methods Used
Determination of molecular weight oligosaccharides is done with the most advanced equipment such as Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI) or Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS).  Oligosaccharide structures are then determined from the molecular weights generated by mass spectrometry.  The structure of a glycan is confirmed by fragmentation of the parent ion (msn).  You can click on following links: Purification and oligosccharides analysis of N- and O-linked glycans for the release of N-and O-linked glycans from glycopeptide and purification methods, and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and Electrospray Ionization Ion-trap Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) for the MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry analysis. 

Amount of Sample Required for Analysis
A minimum of 100-200 micrograms of carbohydrate is required, more if available. Clients may also submit purified oligosaccharides to the laboratory for glycan profiling.

General Criteria for Sample Preparation
Your sample should be pure, soluble in water or volatile organics, and free of non-volatile salts, buffers, and detergents.