Advancing Peptide Analysis: Dr. Ge Shares High-Res Ion Mobility MS Applications at CBA Forum

Our CTO, Dr. Ge, attended the CBA-CHINA Annual Conference & Peptide Forum hosted by the Chinese Biopharmaceutical Association (CBA) on June 28 and delivered a presentation titled “Applications of High-Resolution Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry in the Field of Peptide Analysis.”

Dr. Ge highlighted that during the development of peptide drugs and raw materials, researchers often face challenges such as:

Peptide isomer quantitative analysis

Quantitative analysis of different peptide isomers in different organelles of cells

Precise determination and structural analysis of trace impurity molecular weights in complex matrices

Analysis of cyclic peptide structure and spatial structure of long – chain peptides

Determination of chiral amino acid sites of peptide corresponding isomers

Compared to the analysis of small molecule compounds, peptides have more complex structures, requiring analysts to address issues such as the qualitative and quantitative analysis of conformational isomers, disulfide bond pairing, and the localization of complex modifications. Additionally, the structural elucidation of peptides faces the challenge of low-abundance impurities coexisting with high biological activity, which further increases the analytical difficulty.

Traditional LC-MS, while capable of handling some aspects of peptide structural analysis, is prone to co-elution interference and offers low mass resolution, both of which can impact analysts’ judgment and data interpretation.

Therefore, achieving precise capture and structural elucidation of trace impurities in complex matrices has become a major challenge in peptide analysis. High-resolution ion mobility mass spectrometry (HR-IMS) is increasingly demonstrating greater advantages in the structural confirmation of peptides and the quantitative analysis of complex peptide isomers.

At this forum, Dr. Ge focused on sharing the applications of high-resolution ion mobility mass spectrometry in peptide structural elucidation, including:

Cyclic peptide structural confirmation analysis

Disulfide bond pairing analysis

Structural elucidation of unknown polypeptide compounds

Structural confirmation during long peptide synthesis process control

How to quantitate complex polypeptide isomers

At the conclusion of the presentation, Dr. Ge emphasized that HRIM-MS offers superior high-resolution separation capability, higher throughput, and enhanced sensitivity compared to traditional LC-MS methods. It enables the capture of dynamic conformational changes in peptides, thereby empowering analysts to obtain critical data more effectively and efficiently from complex biological samples.

● High-Resolution Separation Capability：By measuring differences in ion migration times within electric fields and gas media, HRIM-MS can distinguish peptide isomers and conformational variants.

● Dynamic Structural Analysis：HRIM-MS can capture dynamic conformational changes in peptides, such as the folding states of self-assembling peptides, providing crucial data for studying their functional mechanisms.

● High Throughput and Sensitivity：Combined with liquid chromatography (LC) or in situ ionization techniques such as Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI), HRIM-MS enables rapid detection and imaging of low-abundance peptides in complex biological samples.

Integrate patient-specific lipidomics and peptide data with AI models to develop tailored precision medicine.

Early screening for Alzheimer’s disease

Precise delineation of tumor tissue boundaries

Analysis of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related metabolites, such as lipids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers

GENOPEP GROUP | The Engine of Your Peptide Innovation

GENOPEP Group is a leading global peptide technology solutions provider, specializing in R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization in the fields of skin science and biopharmaceuticals. Supported by advanced scientific capabilities and a fully integrated supply chain, we deliver efficient and reliable innovation support to skincare brands worldwide.

We focus on three key service areas, empowering partners throughout the entire product lifecycle from concept to market:

• Active Ingredients and Formulation Development – Grounded in cutting-edge research, we provide high-efficacy skincare ingredients, ingredient complexes, and complete formulation solutions.
• End-to-End Production Support – Covering the full journey from lab-scale R&D and pilot optimization to commercial manufacturing, ensuring consistent product quality and reliable supply.
• Custom Synthesis Services – With strong capabilities in novel molecule development, we specialize in the design, synthesis, and preparation of peptide-based novel ingredients and related reference standards.

We believe in technology-driven products and collaboration-driven value. GENOPEP is not just a supplier—we are your trusted innovation partner, dedicated to co-creating the next generation of skincare solutions with you.