ESI Mass Spectrometry, also known as Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry, is a powerful analytical technique used in chemistry and biology to determine the molecular composition and structure of a substance. It is a widely used method for the identification and quantification of small organic molecules, peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules.
The process begins by introducing a solution containing the target substance into a mass spectrometer. The solution is then electrically charged using a capillary under high voltage. This leads to the formation of small droplets which undergo further desolvation.
As the droplets desiccate, the solute molecules become highly charged. They then undergo a process called ionization where the solvent molecules evaporate, leaving behind gas-phase ions of the analyte. These ions are then introduced into the mass spectrometer where they are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and detected.
ESI Mass Spectrometry is particularly useful in the analysis of large and complex biomolecules such as peptides and proteins, which may have multiple charged species. It allows for the determination of their molecular mass, and subsequent fragmentation of these ions can provide valuable information about their amino acid sequence and structural features.
The technique finds applications in various fields including pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, food science, and environmental analysis. It has revolutionized the detection and characterization of molecules, enabling scientists to gain insights into the composition and structure of various substances with high sensitivity and accuracy.
