Conformational changes of small PAMAM dendrimers as a function of their charge state: A combined electrospray mass spectrometry, traveling-wave ion mobility and molecular modeling study

- Dendrimer conformation changes were revealed by their ESI-MS charge state distribution.
- Most stable conformation of each charge state was determined by molecular modeling.
- Theoretical collision cross sections were supported by experimental data.
- The extend of dendrimer swelling was shown to depend on the PAMAM architecture.