IMPROVEMENTS TO LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY COUPLED TO MASS SPECTROMETRY IN THE INVESTIGATION OF SELECTED ANALYTES

摘要

Apparatus and method for the oxidative or reductive processing of analytes, in particular nitric oxide analytes. The apparatus and method comprises liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry wherein an intermediate redox means is configured to change an oxidation state of the analytes to enhance their detection in the mass spectrometer. In particular, the redox means is configured to oxidise or reduce analytes processed by the liquid chromatograph prior to processing by the mass spectrometer whereby the more detectable analytes can be quantitatively investigated based on a difference in their charge density or polarity. In a specific implementation, the present invention is configured for the processing of nitric oxide derived analytes providing investigation and analysis of enzymic activity, in particular nitric oxide sythase activity.