What Is LC-MS Peptide Testing?
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is an analytical technique that combines the separation capability of liquid chromatography with the mass detection capability of mass spectrometry. In peptide analysis, LC-MS is used to confirm the molecular mass of the peptide, verifying that the synthesised sequence matches the intended target.
Each amino acid has a defined molecular weight. The theoretical molecular mass of a peptide can be calculated from its sequence. LC-MS measures the observed molecular mass of the sample and compares it to the theoretical value. A match confirms identity; a mismatch indicates a sequence error, modification, or substitution.
LC-MS vs RP-HPLC: Complementary Tests
| Test | What It Measures | What It Confirms |
|---|---|---|
| RP-HPLC | Peak area percentage of main peptide vs total UV-absorbing material | Purity (% of target peptide in sample) |
| LC-MS | Molecular mass of eluting peptide species | Identity (correct amino acid sequence and molecular weight) |
Both tests are required for a complete quality assessment. A COA that includes only purity (RP-HPLC) without identity (LC-MS) cannot confirm that the correct peptide was synthesised.
Request a Sample COA with LC-MS Data
Contact ShiLai™ Healthcare to request a sample COA including LC-MS mass spectrum and RP-HPLC purity data.
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