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

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.