Mass spectral studies of snake venoms and some of their toxins

The profound effect of Biological Mass Spectrometry (MS) on protein analysis has been amplified by recent developments in analytically based matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). This review provides a brief synapses of snake toxin based research allocating mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) and bioreactive probe tips technologies. Contingent upon advances in Biological MS has been the movement of mass spectrometric applications into array based technology. Biomolecular interaction analysis interfaced with mass spectrometry (BIA/MS) exemplifies the diverse potential of chip based techniques, combining the powerful front-end analysis of biological interaction events with the dynamic precision of MALDI-MS mass specific assignment, to demonstrate 'lab on a chip' technology. Analysis of other snake venoms and related toxins by electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry as well as capillary electrophoresis combined with MALDI-MS are included.