Imaging mass spectrometry for examining localization of polymeric composition in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization samples

Abstract

The localization of polymeric composition in samples prepared for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) analysis has been investigated by imaging mass spectrometry. Various matrices and solvents were used for sample spot preparation of a polybutyleneglycol (PBG 1000). It was shown that in visibly homogeneous spots, prepared using the 'dried droplet' method, separation between matrix and polymer takes place. Moreover, using alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CCA) as matrix and methanol as solvent molecular mass separation of the polymer homologues in the spots was detectable. In contrast to manually spotted samples, dry spray deposition results in homogeneous layers showing no separation effects.

CuFe2O4 magnetic nanocrystal clusters as a matrix for the analysis of small molecules by negative-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

“…Although MALDI-MS has proven to be very useful for the analysis of medium-size molecules (500-10 kDa) such as peptides, proteins, and oligosaccharides, 2-4 the analysis of low molecular-weight (LMW) compounds (< 500 Da) is far less successful than that of larger molecules because the analyte ions are strongly interfered with or are suppressed by the matrix-related ions that are predominant at the low-mass range. 7,8 The problems associated with so-called "sweet spots" and "high background noise" are minimized when nanomaterials are used as matrices, rather than the organic matrices employed in MALDI-MS; this approach is often called surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS). 7,8 The problems associated with so-called "sweet spots" and "high background noise" are minimized when nanomaterials are used as matrices, rather than the organic matrices employed in MALDI-MS; this approach is often called surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS).…”

Automated Solvent-Free Matrix Deposition for Tissue Imaging by Mass Spectrometry

“…1,2,8,12,13,15,16,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] A semisolvent-based/solvent-free application showed early 8 benefits of smaller crystal sizes obtained by crushing "dried droplet" samples directly on the MALDI plate. The first example of analyzing a completely insoluble material using the loose powder method showed the analytical utility of the solvent-free MS method.…”

Citric Acid Capped Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as an Effective MALDI Matrix for Polymers

“…In this study, aqueous NPCA matrix is evenly dispersed across the hydrophobic polymer surface. This superior homogeneity is a strong point of this particle-based matrix compared with organic matrices for which matrixpolymer segregation often occurs during the matrix crystallization/drying process [53].…”