Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: a powerful tool for the mass and sequence analysis of natural and modified oligonucleotides.

We report the analysis and characterization of natural and modified oligonucleotides by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The present technology was highly improved for this class of compounds by using a new matrix, 2,4,6-trihydroxy acetophenone, together with di- and triammonium salts of organic or inorganic acids to suppress peak broadening due to multiple ion adducts. This methodology can be used in combination with time dependent degradation of oligonucleotides by exonucleases as powerful tool to determine sequence compositions.