Abstract: The diversity of compound collections required for finding lead structures in pharmaceutical research can be provided by means of combinatorial organic chemistry. The resultant enormous number of single compounds but also of compound mixtures represents a challenge for the analyst. With the introduction of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS or FT-MS), a new and, as yet, not widespread mass spectrometric technique (a means of analysis of such compound libraries with a very high mass resolution) high mass accuracy and high sensitivity has become available. Moreover, in combination with electrospray ionization (ESI), not only high-th rough put measurements via flow injection analysis (FIA) but also coupling with separation techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary electrophoresis (CE) is possible. Structural verification by way of decomposing ions (MSn; n greater than or equal to 2) using a variety of different dissociation techniques can be performed by FTICR-MS. This is the first review specifically covering applications of FTICR-MS in the field of combinatorial chemistry.

Abstract: This paper describes the design, characterization, and use of an optical biosensor suited for the process control of biotechnological processes. The detector principle is based on reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS). RIfS enables a label-free, product-specific monitoring, with a future outline for on-line process control. The potential of the RUS biosensor is exemplified by the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the microbial production of vancomycin-type glycopeptide antibiotics.