Abstract: Methods and reagents to obtaining a sample enriched in peptides comprising the third complementarity-determining region of the heavy chain (CDRH3) of immunoglobulins, such as IgGs, are described. These methods are based on the use of targeted protease digestion of immunoglobulins and affinity purification of CDRH3 peptides using specific antibodies. Such methods and reagents are useful for analyzing the immunoglobulin repertoire.

Abstract: A method for increasing peptide fragmentation by labelling the peptide at the C-terminal end with a guanidinium group or other basic functional group and distinguishing isobaric amino acids and amino acid combinations of asparagine and glycine-glycine; glutamine and glycine-alanine; and/or glutamine and alanine-glycine, during polypeptide sequencing.

Abstract: A method and tools for the biochemical processing of protein samples towards their analysis and identification by, for example, mass spectrometry (MS). The method involves the reversible (non-covalent) immobilization, purification and concentration of proteins onto a solid surface and subsequent solid-phase enzyme-catalyzed proteolysis of the proteins. The constituent peptides are recovered in near-quantitative yields in a format ideally suited for identification by routine MS technologies. The process is easily adapted such that additional chemical and/or enzymatic transformation(s) of the immobilized proteins or peptides can be performed to facilitate the acquisition of and increase the information content obtained from the MS analysis.

Abstract: A method and tools for the biochemical processing of protein samples towards their analysis and identification by, for example, mass spectrometry (MS). The method involves the reversible (non-covalent) immobilization, purification and concentration of proteins onto a solid surface and subsequent solid-phase enzyme-catalyzed proteolysis of the proteins. The constituent peptides are recovered in near-quantitative yields in a format ideally suited for identification by routine MS technologies. The process is easily adapted such that additional chemical and/or enzymatic transformation(s) of the immobilized proteins or peptides can be performed to facilitate the acquisition of and increase the information content obtained from the MS analysis.

Abstract: A chromatographic apparatus includes at least one sample preparation stage with a plurality of individually mounted separation columns, that can have a common pressurizable header at the column input side for parallel sample preparation. The column output side can be releasably connected to a mass spectrometer input operating, for example, with ESI. The sample preparation stage is moveable in at least one direction for sequential processing of the columns by the mass spectrometer. Sample preparation and analysis can be automatically controlled.