Glycan Analysis by Ion Mobility–Mass Spectrometry

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Abstract
Carbohydrates form one of the major classes of biological macromolecules in living organisms. To investigate their properties and function, an in‐depth knowledge of their underlying structure is essential. However, the inherent structural complexity of glycans represents a major challenge. Carbohydrates are often branched and exhibit diverse regio‐ and stereochemistry. This in turn leads to a vast number of possible isomers, which are difficult to distinguish by using established analytical tools. In the last decade, ion mobility–mass spectrometry, a technique that separates ions based on their mass, charge, size, and shape, has emerged as a powerful alternative for isomer distinction. This Minireview highlights recent advances in ion mobility–mass spectrometry of complex carbohydrates and discusses its role in future analysis workflows.

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