Analysis of Carbohydrates and Glycoconjugates by Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry: An Update for 2023–2024

ABSTRACT The use of MALDI mass spectrometry for the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates is a well‐established technique and this comprehensive review is the twelfth update of the original article published in 1999 and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2024. Although still popular for glycoconjugate analysis, recent years have seen a slight drop in its usage with electrospray and LC‐MS techniques becoming more widely used. The review follows the same general format as previous reviews. Much of the material relating to applications is presented in tabular form whereas papers relating to method development are discussed in more detail. The review is divided into three sections: (1) general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation, quantification, and the use of computer software for structural identification. (2) Applications to various structural types such as oligo‐ and polysaccharides, glycoproteins, glycated proteins, glycolipids and natural products, and (3) other general areas such as medicine, biopharmaceuticals, industrial processes and glycan synthesis where MALDI is extensively used. As with previous reviews in this series, this review also includes a few papers that describe methods appropriate to analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. Much of this work is tabulated. MALDI is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis, particularly in its rapidity, ease of use and its ability to produce single ions from each analyte. Improvements in the technique and range of applications show little sign of diminishing.