Simple Platform for Automating Decoupled LC-MS Analysis of Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Samples

Abstract

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is capable of providing unique insight into complex biological systems that are difficult to study by other techniques. Due to arduous sample handling requirements, automating HDX experimentation for higher throughput requires specialized equipment. While recent advances have enabled automation of sample preparation and analysis, several proteins of interest and types of HDX experiments remain incompatible with automated workflows and require manual sample preparation that greatly limits experimental throughput. To expand throughput and increase the precision of HDX-MS for systems requiring manual preparation, we have developed an inexpensive autosampler capable of thawing and injecting frozen HDX-MS samples in a highly reproducible manner.