Element-Selective Targeting of Nutrient Metabolites in Environmental Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Metabolites that incorporate elements other than carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen can be selectively detected by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICPMS). When used in parallel with chromatographic separations conventional electrospray ionization (ESIMS), ICPMS allows the analyst to quickly find, characterize identify target metabolites carry nutrient (P, S, trace metals; “nutrient metabolites”), which are of particular interest investigations microbial biogeochemical cycles. This approach has been applied study siderophores metal organic ligands ocean. The original method search algorithms relied on ratio stable isotopologues iron, copper nickel assign spectra collected ESIMS carrying these ICPMS. However, while isotopologue-based assignment were highly successful characterizing some metals, they do not realize whole potential ICPMS/ESIMS as cannot molecular ions monoisotopic or for isotopes is known. Here we report a revised incorporates number changes configuration instrument hardware improves sensitivity factor 4–5, more accurate quantitation metabolites. We also describe new suite find elements. laboratory culture Vibrio cyclitrophicus seawater sample North Pacific Ocean, cobalt iodine extracts marine cyanobacterium Prochorococcus MIT9215.