The ability to compare mass spectral data is particularly important in determining how closely a biosimilar recombinant monoclonal antibody imitates an innovator recombinant monoclonal antibody. When used with peptide mapping analysis and glycosylation profiling, comparing spectra can help you visualize very small differences between samples, enabling you to evaluate consistency across batches of proteins.
Spectral comparison can also help you identify and quantify the following:
- Intact protein or oligonucleotide masses
- Primary sequences
- Post-translational modifications
In the intact mass analysis workflow, after processing, you can add spectra to the Library for comparison. On the Spectra Comparison page, select two spectra from the Library to view in a mirror plot. You can enlarge the mirror plot to note differences and similarities in the structures and relative abundances of the masses (components) in the two spectra. You can then use peptide mapping or top-down analysis techniques to determine the exact source of any spectral differences. See Spectra Comparison page: Compare deconvoluted spectra.