Cyanobacterial identification by native mass spectrometry. Cyanobacterial identification by native mass spectrometry

Accurate and rapid cyanobacterial identification is important, especially for strains that may produce toxins. Light microscopy is often used but they can be difficult to conclusively identify without detailed knowledge of their morphology and taxonomy. Advances in proteomic analysis may provide an alternative route to rapid identification by using native mass spectrometry to sensitively identify Cyanobacteria based on their abundant phycobiliprotein complexes.