Mass spectrometry in nucleic acid, carbohydrate and steroid analysis

Mass spectrometry is now widely used in many areas of biomolecule analysis and this diversity is well represented by the analysis of oligonucleotides, carbohydrates and steroids. In this paper an overview of the common techniques used for analysis of these biomolecules is presented, including electrospray ionization (ESI), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), desorption/ionization on silicon (DIOS), and negative chemical ionization gas chromatography mass spectrometry (NCI GC/MS). Additionally, important aspects of biomolecule analysis, such as molecular weight determination, sequencing using tandem mass spectrometry and enzymes, precursor ion scanning, noncovalent interactions, and sensitivity, will be discussed.