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We report a method based on mass spectrometry for the characterization of noncovalent complexes of proteins with mixtures of ligands; this method is relevant to the study of drug leads and may be useful in screening libraries for tight-binding compounds. It is based on the ability of electrospray ionization (ESI)* 1•2 3to generate ions of intact noncovalent complexes in the gas phase3-5 and of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance

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The shift of charge states of oligonucleotide negative ions formed in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to higher mass-to-charge ratio has been accomplished by addition of organic acids and bases to the solution to be electrosprayed. The use of acetic acid or formic acid combined with piperidine and imidazole effectively reduced charge states. Signal intensity and stability were enhanced greatly when the infused solution contained a high percentage of acetonitrile. In addition, the cocktail that contained imidazole, piperidine, and acetic acid in 80% acetonitrile not only reduced charge states, but also substantially suppressed Na adduction. Several oligonucleotides that varied in base composition and length were investigated, and studies of mixtures showed a significant reduction in spectral complexity.