Fenn team: electrospray ionization of large biomolecules for mass spectrometry

What changed

Large biomolecules became amenable to mass spectrometric measurement through multiply charged electrospray ions.

Scientific scope

The 1989 five-author paper; preceding electrospray work, later coupling and proteomics are separate.

Evidence

The linked sources identify this contribution and its scope. WRS has not independently reconstructed the scientific claims. The record is limited to the 1989 five-author paper; prior electrospray research, later instrument coupling and applications remain separate.

Contributors

• John B. Fenn · SCIENCE: Named source author of the scoped work; individual effort shares are not measured.
• Matthias Mann · SCIENCE: Named source author of the scoped work; individual effort shares are not measured.
• Chin Kai Meng · SCIENCE: Named source author of the scoped work; individual effort shares are not measured.
• Shek Fu Wong · SCIENCE: Named source author of the scoped work; individual effort shares are not measured.
• Craig M. Whitehouse · SCIENCE: Named source author of the scoped work; individual effort shares are not measured.

• Fenn et al., Electrospray Ionization for Mass Spectrometry of Large Biomolecules (1989)

Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-16.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.

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