Abstract

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is an exceptional analytical tool for investigating grape seed tannins because its "soft" ionization technique allows for the precise detection of high-molecular-weight polymers without causing structural fragmentation. This capability enables researchers to accurately determine the exact degree of polymerization and easily profile complex proanthocyanidins, including their galloylation patterns. By providing rapid, highly sensitive, and detailed structural fingerprints of intact macromolecular mixtures, MALDI-TOF offers invaluable insights into the chemical composition and quality of grape seed extracts that conventional methods often fail to reach. The dataset features MALDI-TOF peaks acquired in linear positive mode (range 500–2500 Da), providing a representative example of the typical signals associated with a commercial grape seed tannin extract.