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Rapid typing and elucidation of new secondary metabolites of intact cyanobacteria using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Abstract

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms are a threat because of secondary metabolite production. We used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to identify intact microorganisms. Microgram quantities of prepared cells, including solvent (acetonitrile and ethanol) and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid matrix, display spectra showing predominantly the secondary metabolites including known microcystins, micropeptin, and anabaenopeptolin. A new cyclic anabaenopeptolin has been identified using the Post-Source-Decay mode. Strains of various origins can easily be typed according to their cyclic peptide production, and toxic and nontoxic algal blooms can be differentiated within minutes.

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Erhard, M., von Döhren, H. & Jungblut, P. Rapid typing and elucidation of new secondary metabolites of intact cyanobacteria using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Nat Biotechnol 15, 906–909 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0997-906

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