Letter: Negative ion electrospray mass spectra of bacterial phospholipids following inactivation treatments

Characterisation of bacteria by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation and electrospray mass spectrometry

“…This finding is corroborated by a detailed study on Lipid A from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, which shows that MALDI MS and MS/MS can be used to characterise the Lipid A sugar moiety, degree of phosphorylation and substituent fatty acids [70]. The effect of various disinfection procedures on the lipid extracts from E. coli and B. cereus was investigated by flow injection ES MS [71], in a preliminary study of verification possibilities to strengthen the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention of 1972 [72]. Methanol/chloroform extracts from E. coli and B. cereus were obtained after treatment of the bacteria with ethanol, hypochlorite or heat and from untreated bacteria.…”

Hard to Prove

“…33 Furthermore, the methods of investigation of alleged use are becoming more efficient, including continuing improvements in sample analysis methods to indicate bioweapons use. 34 Compliance monitoring for the BWC would encompass all of these activities, not just non-production of biowarfare agents alone.…”

Characterisation of bacteria by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation and electrospray mass spectrometry

“…The effect of various disinfection procedures on the lipid extracts from E. coli and Bacillus cereus was investigated by flow‐injection ES MS [74], in a preliminary study of verification possibilities to strengthen the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention of 1972 [75]. Methanol/chloroform extracts from E. coli and B. cereus were obtained after treatment of the bacteria with ethanol, hypochlorite or heat and from untreated bacteria.…”