This report examines the issues faced by scientists engaged in protein identification and characterization-from the individual protein level to global protein analysis. The objective of this report is to explore the techniques and instrumentation used by scientists in the identification and characterization of proteins. This valuable insight will enable marketing professionals and instrument developers to better understand the level of satisfaction with the technologies available, the definition of quality from the users' perspective and the unmet needs of the customers and clients. With recent advances in ionization technology, mass spectrometry has facilitated protein identification and characterization by using techniques such as digestion analysis, peptide sequencing and chemical synthesis verification. Other specialized applications of the technology include studying protein conformational changes, multi-protein complex formations and post-translational modifications. Recent instrumentation improvements include increased mass accuracy, exquisite sensitivity ranges and exceptional resolution. Newer mass spectrometers also feature customer-friendly options such as profile specifications, remote server capabilities and built-in diagnostics for instrument parameters. Researcher demands for increased efficiency and productivity have accelerated the development of mass spectrometers with fully automated processing and high-sample throughput capabilities. Advances in software technology have created products that track the sample and integrate its processing. These automated systems, capable of high-throughput protein identification, are leading the way in freestanding instrumentation. The final report is based on the opinions of a worldwide panel of research scientists. It provides you with the answers needed to better serve the protein science market and is available at a fraction of what it would cost to conduct a custom study similar in size and scope. Protein Identification & Characterization is the fifth installment in our series-which details all aspects of protein research-and focuses predominantly on the instrumentation and applications of mass spectrometry. As the field of mass spectrometry evolves, companies interested in the protein research market must understand the limitations and shortcomings of the current technology in order to improve it and make it more powerful. Researcher preferences about all aspects of mass spectrometry-from protein ionization to mass analysis to ion detection-are reviewed in detail. Report Highlights More than 280 researchers engaged in protein identification and/or characterization participated in this survey between October 10 and December 3, 2001. The report details findings for each and every question in the survey. Below is a glimpse of some of the findings derived from different questions: • Approximately 90% of the respondents have characterized or identified more than one protein within the past twelve months. • Respondents believe that the most significant advantage of mass spectrometry is the "heightened sensitivity." • The top two types of ionization sources respondents prefer to use on their protein samples are matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI). • Proteins are primarily analyzed by time-of-flight mass technology, though quadrupole mass analyzers are a popular second choice. • There is no distinction between respondents' preference for either an array detector or an electron multiplier as the third major component of the mass spectrometer they employ in their research. • While liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is the most commonly used combined technology by respondents, tandem mass spectrometer users are also well represented. (Electronic copy also includes 1 print copy) | 
