A comparison of the analytical performance of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, electrospray and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in the study of the protein extract fromBothrops jararaca Snake Venom

Bothrops jararaca snake venom extract has been analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) in order to obtain a rapid and accurate characterization. By the SDS-PAGE and MALDI-MS techniques about fourteen components are evidenced; with the latter technique, faster analysis and a more accurate molecular weight determination have been achieved. By ESI-MS the data obtained strongly depend on the operating conditions employed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.