Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) are the main components of Gram-negative bacterial outer membranes. A quick and simple way to isolate their lipid region (lipid A) directly from whole bacterial cells was devised. This method using hot ammonium-isobutyrate solvent was applied to small quantities of cells and proved to be indispensable when a rapid characterization of lipid A structure by mass spectrometry was required. Biological activities of endotoxins are directly related to the lipid A structures, which vary greatly with cell growth conditions.

The correlations between protein glycosylation and many biological processes and diseases are increasing the demand for quantitative glycomics strategies enabling sensitive monitoring of changes in the abundance and structure of glycans. This is currently attained through multiple strategies employing several analytical techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The detection and quantification of glycans often involve labeling with ionic and/or hydrophobic reagents. This step is needed in order to enhance detection in spectroscopic and mass spectrometric measurements. Recently, labeling with stable isotopic reagents has also been presented as a very viable strategy enabling relative quantitation. The different strategies available for reliable and sensitive quantitative glycomics are herein described and discussed.