Analysis of solid-supported oligonucleotides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

This study presents matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) as a powerful tool to analyze and characterize oligonucleotides covalently linked to a solid support during their synthesis. The analysis of the fragment ions generated either in negative or positive mode allows direct and easy access to the nucleotide sequence and identification of the internucleosidic linkage. The mechanisms of the fragmentation of the solid-supported oligonucleotides induced by MALDI-TOFMS are discussed. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.