Separation and detection of the alpha- and beta-chains of hemoglobin of a single intact red blood cell using capillary electrophoresis/ electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A single intact red blood cell (erythrocyte) was injected into a capillary electrophoresis column, and following in-capillary lysing the alpha- and be ta-chains of the hemoglobin (similar to 450 amol) were separated and detect ed using capillary electrophoresis/electrospray ionization time-of-flight m ass spectrometry. The mass spectra of the electropherogram peaks of the alp ha and beta chains showed identifiable peaks corresponding to multiply prot onated and sodiated alpha- and beta-chains of hemoglobin. (J Am Soc Mass Sp ectrom 1999, 10, 184-186) (C) 1999 American Society for Mass Spectrometry.