Stable isotope shifted matrices enable the use of low mass ion precursor scanning for targeted metabolite identification

We describe a method to identify metabolites of proteins that eliminates endogenous background by using stable isotope labeled matrices. This technique allows selective screening of the intact therapeutic molecule and all metabolites using a modified precursor ion scan that monitors low molecular weight fragment ions produced during MS/MS. This distinct set of low mass ions differs between isotopically labeled and natural isotope containing species allowing excellent discrimination between endogenous compounds and target analytes. All compounds containing amino acids that consist of naturally abundant isotopes can be selected using this scanning technique for further analysis, including metabolites of the parent molecule. The sensitivity and selectivity of this technique is discussed with specific examples of insulin metabolites identified within a complex matrix using a range of different validated low mass target ions.