Derivatization of Oligosaccharides and Analysis by Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry

A derivatization method for the determination of oligosaccharides with high sensitivity by matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry( MALDI-TOF-MS) based on a labeling regent 1-( 4-Cyanophenyl)-4-piperidinecarbohydrazide( CPH) was proposed. The hydrazones were generated by the reaction of the reducing ends of oligosaccharides and the hydrazide of CPH. The derivatives were directly analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. Reaction conditions such as reaction temperature,concentration of acetic acid and excess ratio of CPH regent were optimized. When the oligosaccharides reacted with 100 time excess of CPH at 100 ℃ and in 0. 125% acetic acid ( V/V) ,the yield was highest. The results showed the derivatization with CPH increased the sensitivity of MS detection and this method was suitable for the analysis of oligosaccharides′ compositions.