Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Vital tool used to characterize and analyze molecules
•Limitations
•Biomolecules and organic macromolecules are fragile
•Molecular ions or meaningful fragments were limited to only 5-10 kDaat the time
•New technique
•In 1987, Michael Karasand Franz Hillenkampsuccessfully demonstrated the use of a matrix to
ionize high molecular weight compounds.
M. Karas, et al and F. Hillenkamp; International Journal of Mass Spectrometry and Ion Processes, 78; 1987, p53.
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Inlet
Ion
source
Mass
Analyzer
Detector
Data
System
High Vacuum System
Mass Spectrometer
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MALDI Matrix
•Be able to embed and isolate analytes(e.g. by co-
crystallization)
•Be soluble in solvents compatible with analyte
•Be vacuum stable
•Absorb the laser wavelength
•Cause co-desorption of the analyteupon laser irradiation
•Promote analyteionization
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