Abstract
Recently, MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization)-TOF (time-of-flight) MS (mass spectrometry) is one of principal methods for proteins and amino acids analysis. However, there is a little information on the analysis of plant pigments including chlorophylls (Chls). In this study, we investigate optimum parameters to detect Chl a by MALDI-TOF MS. We selected terthiophene and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (CCA) as a matrix. We found a stable signal of Chl a using terthiophene. When CCA was used, pheophytin a was detected in addition to Chl a, indicating that acid degradation of Chl occurred by matrix used. A simultaneous analysis of Chl a degradation products such as pheophorbide a, chlorophyllide a and pheophytin a was available by these matrixes. We are continuing to study on the analysis of chlorophyll c, bacteriochlorophyll a and other pigments.
