A Simple and Flexible Infusion Platform for Automated Native Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Abstract

High throughput native mass spectrometry analysis of proteins and protein complexes has been enabled by recent development of infusion and liquid chromatography (LC) systems, which often include complete LC pumps without fully utilizing their gra-dient flows. We demonstrated a lower-cost infusion cart for native mass spectrometry applications using a single isocratic solvent pump that can operate at both nano- and high-flow configurations (0.05-150 µL/min) for both infusion and online buffer exchange experiments. The platform is controlled via open-source software and can potentially be expanded for customized experimental designs, offering a lower cost alternative to labs with limited budget and/or needs in student training.