Mass spectrometry (MS analysis) is considered the best method for analyzing a molecule’s structure. MS analysis offers details about a compound’s molecular weight and presents the atomic mass units and 10000 atomic mass units, depending on the accuracy of the mass analyzer. Additionally, mass spectrometry provides information related to analyzing compounds from natural products. In this blog, we discuss mass spectrometry and its importance for the analysis and discovery of active molecules in natural products.

Role of MS in Analysis & Discovery of Active Molecules in Natural Products

The development of mass spectrometry, along with research, has proven to be game-changing in enhancing the ionization process and ion analysis. Mass spectrometry has significantly contributed to qualitative control of natural products and to identifying new metabolites. Natural products consist of a mixture of complex quantity components. In the field of natural products, various studies regarding secondary metabolites have been validated through mass analysis.

Mass Spectrometry and Natural Products

The success of mass spectrometry over the years, along with variability methods and instruments, allows all molecules of natural products to be analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. 

• Essential Oils: These oils are basically volatile metabolites, so the study and research are straightforward. Mass spectrometry allows the investigation of molecules that form these natural products. 
• Fatty Acid: Many plant specimens are composed of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Mass spectrometry, along with chemical derivational techniques, is used for research purposes to form ethyl ester and methyl.  
• Aromas & Flavours: The odour and flavour of fruits and vegetables are vital to distinguishing their taste and texture. Mass spectrometry is crucial to identifying the chemistry of these components. Many of these molecules are volatile and hence impossible to remove in the vapour stream. They are removed with non-polar solvents to introduce them to the chromatographic system. 
• Alkaloids: These are active ingredients that contain nitrogen in their structural features. Some alkaloids, such as nicotine, caffeine, and xanthine alkaloids, are directly analyzed by mass spectrometry, while others, with high volatility, need separation in gas chromatography. 

Mass spectrometry analyzes natural products. Its high sensitivity and detailed structural information make mass analysis indispensable in research and development laboratories. Aral Research offers high-quality mass spectrometry analysis services. We ensure high-quality mass analysis data with a WATERS SDQ detector and TQD detector equipped with Electrospray ionization (ESI) and Atmospheric-pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) mode detection. We serve many industries, including proteomics, forensics, metabolomics, and life science. We can help you solve analytical problems and research goals.