| Abstract: | Basic principles of mass spectrometry (MS) and methods of ionization are described. Methodological aspects of field ionization (FI) and field desorption (FD) MS are considered in detail. Examples are given demonstrating application of FI and FD MS as an analytical tool for structure analysis and identification of mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, nucleic acid bases, nucleosides, nucleotides, oligonucleotides, biomacromolecules (DNA, polysaccharides), microorganisms, metals in biological tissues and liquids, drugs (in particular, organophosphoric compounds) and their metabolites. The possibilities of fast atom bombardment MS in the investigation of dGuo and DNA alkylation by thiophosphamide are demonstrated. |
