This review will focus on protein and peptide separation studies of the period 1995 to 2010. Peptide and protein analysis have developed dramatically after applying mass spectrometry (MS) technology and other related techniques, such as two-dimensional liquid chromatography and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Mass spectrometry involves measurements of mass-to-charge ratios of the ionized sample. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an important technique that is usually applied before MS is conducted due to its efficient separation. Characterization of proteins provides a foundation for the fundamental understanding of biology aspects. In this review, instrumentation, principle, applications, developments, and accuracy of the measurements of mass spectrometry will be reviewed and discussed. In addition, the principles of HPLC technology will be explained, which is necessary before applying MS.
