Use of Cumulative Distribution Functions to Determine Protein Purity and Homogeneity
Description of Invention:
Successful solutions to numerous problems in the biochemical sciences depend on the ability to produce "pure" proteins and recognize the degree to which proteins might be modified. Current methods used for assessing purity are relatively nonspecific and insensitive to small differences in molecular weight. The inventors have developed a computer-implemented method and system for nonparametric statistical analysis of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) protein spectra but is equally applicable to deconvoluted electrospray ionization (ESI) spectra. The invention facilitates assessing protein heterogeneity and detection of otherwise indistinguishable differences in the distribution of molecular weight. A principal advantage is that no additional instrumentation is required beyond that typically included in a mass spectrometry analysis system.
Inventors:
Alfred L. Yergey (NICHD) Paul S. Blank (NICHD) Christin M. Sjomeling (NICHD)
Devices/Instrumentation-Diagnostics-Instruments Devices/Instrumentation-Research Materials-Software Devices/Instrumentation-Research Materials-Methods of Using Research Tools Devices/Instrumentation-Diagnostics Devices/Instrumentation-Research Materials Devices/Instrumentation-Software
For Additional Information Please Contact: Michael Shmilovich J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5019
Email: shmilovm@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
