Combination of on-line desalting and HPLC-UV-ESI-MS for simultaneous detection and identification of FIP-fve and flammutoxin in Flammulina velutipes

A rapid analytical approach, on-line desalting HPLC-UV-ESI-MS method, for the analysis of FIP-fve and flammutoxin (FTX), two important bioactive proteins in the fruiting bodies of Flammulina velutipes, was developed. In this study, a highly efficient desalting method is provided using molecular weight cut-off centrifugal filtration and on-line desalting. Sample preparation followed by an on-line desalting HPLC-UV-ESI-MS system was employed for simultaneous desalting and detection and identification of FIP-fve and FTX. Results indicated that using trifluoroacetic acid as a modifier on a C18 reversed-phase column renders effective separation. ESI-MS revealed that the apparent molecular masses of FIP-fve and FTX were 12,749.1 Da and 21,912.5 Da, respectively. Eleven milligrams of FIP-fve was obtained from 100 g of fresh fruiting bodies, and UV detection was performed at 280 nm using bovine serum albumin as the standard protein. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.29–4.69 mg/mL (r² = 0.9999). FTX and a series of degradation products were isolated from F. velutipes using 35% saturated ammonium sulfate on a DEAE cellulose column. The complete identification of FTX and a series of degradation products were carried out by precipitation of various ammonium sulfate concentrations (0–45%, 45–65% and 65–90%), in-gel trypsin digestion, and MS analysis with combined database search. The molecular weights of FTX and a series of degradation products were 29,957.2 Da, 27,480.2 Da, 26,512.5 Da, and 21,912.5 Da.