Structure elucidation of gluten-derived peptides by tandem mass spectrometry.

In recent years there have been major developments in the field of mass spectrometry (MS) that permit the analysis and characterization of peptides and proteins at the femtomolar level (1-8). This chapter deals with the use of MS for the elucidation of peptide sequences of gliadin- and/or glutenin-derived fragments. It is meant to give an overview of what modern mass spectrometric methods can mean for your research in the biomolecular field rather than an in-depth step-by-step practical protocol. Important aspects are covered to give the reader an idea of what is needed to perform, and what can be expected from, this mass spectrometric application.