Mass Spectrometry and Structural Characterization
Your ability to confidently characterize complex biologics starts with the right data, at the right time. Our mass spectrometry and structural characterization services help you detect variability early, confirm comparability, and make informed decisions throughout development. Backed by over 20 years of experience and a proven track record across complex protein programs, we support your goals from discovery through licensure.
Mass Spectrometry Services
Host cell proteins (HCP)
- Quantitative proteomics using tandem mass tags (TMT), targeted absolute quantification (AQUA), spike-in peptides for semi-quantitation, and label-free quantitation
- Proteome via shotgun LC-MS approach
- HCP antibody coverage via affinity chromatography and LC-MS
Proteins including mAB and glycoproteins
- Quantitative proteomics using tandem mass tags (TMT), absolute quantification (AQUA), and label-free quantitation
- Amino acid sequence verification via peptide mapping, LC-MS
- Intact and Subunit molecular mass analysis by LC-MS
- De novo amino acid sequencing via peptide mapping, LC-MS
- Disulfide bond mapping via peptide mapping, LC-MS
- Characterization of post-translational modifications via peptide mapping, LC-MS, including deamidation, oxidation, pyroglutamate formation and glycosylation sites
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV)
- Quantitative proteomics using tandem mass tags (TMT), absolute quantification (AQUA), and label-free quantitation
- Amino acid verification via peptide mapping, LC-MS
- Molecular weight via intact mass, LC-MS
- Proteomic post-translational modifications (PTM) identification and quantification including phosphorylation pathway mapping/profiling, acetylation, methylation
Whether you’re optimizing upstream processes or preparing for release, our mass spectrometry services integrate seamlessly into your biologics development strategy. With the right insights at the right time, we help you reduce risk, accelerate timelines, and build quality into every decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Mass Spectrometry Services
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What is molecular weight determination?
Molecular weight, or molecular mass, is the total mass of a molecule based on the atomic masses of its individual atoms. By providing mass determination with low measurement errors (parts per million, ppm), mass spectrometry enables precise determination of molecular composition.
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What is the Orbitrap Fusion Lumos and how is it used for structural characterization?
The Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap Fusion™ mass spectrometer is a unique hybrid instrument combining quadrupole, Orbitrap, and linear ion trap mass analysis features including:
- Ultrafast scan rates
- High resolution mass measurement
- MS/MS ion selection
With three fragmentation modes (CID, HCD, ETD) including multi-stage fragmentation, the system provides a highly flexible platform for biological drug product characterization.
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How is peptide mapping performed using mass spectrometry services?
Peptide mapping is used to confirm protein primary structure by determining its amino acid sequence and employing endoproteases (enzymes) to generate peptides, followed by analysis by HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry.
Importantly, peptide mapping also enables localization of post-translational modifications (PTMs) including:
- N- and O-linked glycosylation
- N-terminal pyroglutamic acid
- Acetylation/formylation
- C-terminal lysine clipping
- Protein stability-indicating modifications including deamidation and oxidation events
- Molecular fingerprints
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How are proteomics services performed using mass spectrometry services?
Proteomics, or protein identification, employs tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of proteolytically generated peptides from a biological sample using a high-resolution mass spectrometer (e.g., the Orbitrap Fusion Lumos) coupled with liquid chromatography. Proteins are identified from several or many unique peptides corresponding to each protein via protein database searching.
