%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Second-Generation Lignin Analysis
%A Aurore Richel
%A Caroline Vanderghem
%A Mathilde Simon
%A Bernard Wathelet and Michel Paquot
%J Analytical Chemistry Insights
%D 2012
%I 
%R 10.4137/ACI.S10799
%X Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is evaluated as an elucidation tool for structural features and molecular weights estimation of some extracted herbaceous lignins. Optimization of analysis conditions, using a typical organic matrix, namely  -cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), in combination with  -cyclodextrin, allows efficient ionization of poorly soluble lignin materials and suppression of matrix-related ions background. Analysis of low-mass fragments ions (m/z 100¨C600) in the positive ion mode offers a ˇ°fingerprintˇ± of starting lignins that could be a fine strategy to qualitatively identify principal inter-unit linkages between phenylpropanoid units. The molecular weights of lignins are estimated using size exclusion chromatography and compared to MALDI-TOF-MS profiles. Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) and Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) lignins, recovered after a formic acid/acetic acid/water process or aqueous ammonia soaking, are selected as benchmarks for this study.
%U http://www.la-press.com/evaluation-of-matrix-assisted-laser-desorptionionization-mass-spectrom-article-a3458