Gas chromatography(GC) or liquid chromatography(LC) can be used as a sample preparation method.

All mass spectrometers have three primary components; an ion source, a mass analyzer, and an ion detector. Samples are prepared and loaded into the mass spectrometer in either liquid, gas, or dried form and are then vaporized and ionized by the ion source.

Digestion of protein samples with Trypsin is widely used. Complete digestion of protein samples (10 µg) is achieved by incubating at 37 ℃ with trypsin to protein ratio of 1:20 for 4 hr with gentle agitation. Adding more trypsin results in trypsin autolysis and additional peaks are observed during mass spec analysis.

Sample Preparation Protocol for ESI Accurate Mass Service Dissolve the sample in any organic solvent (e.g., DCM, CHCl3, EtOAc, MeCN, MeOH) or H2O to a concentration of 1mg/mL. ... Take 10uL of this solution and dilute it with 1mL of either methanol, acetonitrile or water (or any combination of these solvents).

Peptide preparation involves reduction and alkylation of cysteines, digestion of the sample into peptides, desalting and concentration of the peptides and final analysis of these peptides by ionization (e.g., ESI) plus orbitrap-based MS.

It works by generating spectrum by separating ions of different mass to charge ratio (m/z) where m is the molecular or atomic mass, z is the electrostatic charge unit. In many cases (such as small molecules), z = 1 measured m/z = mass of fragment.

The amount of sample required depends on the mass spectrometry service to be performed. In general, 1 mL of a 10 ppm sample or 1 mg in solid form is enough for all applications.