Combinatorial peptide on-resin analysis: optimization of static nanoelectrospray ionization technique for sequence determination.

The optimizations of static nanoelectrospray parameters to determine peptide or mimetic sequences released from resin were explored. Several different manufacturers of probe tips were utilized and a method was developed for the direct analysis of bead-bound peptides by nanoelectrospray. The method involved minimum sample handling to assure maximum recovery from individual beads. Parameters that were explored included an inside and outside wash of the probe tip, the distance from the probe housing to the probe tip, source temperature, drying gas flow, individual tips and presence of beads. The same soluble synthetic peptide was used in all comparisons, which had a molecular weight of 717 amu. The discovery of the sequence of a bead-bound peptide was achieved. The parameters that were found to effect signal were outside wash, presence of bead and distance. There was the need for pneumatic assist to initiate electrospray on some occasions, although this generally resulted in unsatisfactory performance.