• Mass Spectrometry Letters
• /
• v.7 no.4
• /
• pp.91-95
• /
• 2016

In recent years, matrix-free laser desorption ionization (LDI) for mass spectrometry of thermally labile molecules has been an important research subject in the pursuit of new ionization methods to serve as alternatives to the conventional matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) method. While many recent studies have reported successful LDI of thermally labile molecules from various surfaces, mostly from surfaces with nanostructures, understanding of what drives the LDI process still requires further study. This article briefly reviews the thermal aspects involved in the LDI mechanism, which can be characterized as rapid surface heating. The thermal mechanism was supported by observed LDI and postsource decay (PSD) of peptide ions produced from flat surfaces with special thermal properties including amorphous Si (a-Si) and tungsten silicide ($WSi_x$). In addition, the concept of rapid surface heating further suggests a practical strategy for the preparation of LDI sample plates, which allows us to choose various surface materials including crystalline Si (c-Si) and Au tailorable to specific applications.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.18-20
• /
• 2012

We report observation of laser desorption/ionization (LDI) of peptides from flat surfaces of tungsten silicide ($WSi_2$). In contrast to MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) and SALDI (surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization) mass spectrometry, this study did not utilize any matrices and surface nanostructures. In this work, LDI on $WSi_2$ surfaces is demonstrated to cover a mass range up to 1,600 Da (somatostatin; monoisotopic mass = 1637.9 Da). In addition, it exhibited a high sensitivity, which could detect peptides, which could detect peptides of low femtomole levels (20 fmol for angiotensin II). The observed LDI process was discussed to be largely thermal, more specifically, due to laser-induced surface heating that is most likely promoted by the low thermal diffusivity (${\kappa}$) of $WSi_2$ substrate.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.401-404
• /
• 2000

Matrix/Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (M/SALDI) mass spectrometry of polypropylene glycol and polystyrene, directly deposited on graphite plate, is demonstrated. Graphite plate is effective both as an en-ergy transfer medium and robu st sampling support for LDI of polymers. Mass spectra ofpolymers can be easily obtained due to homogeneous distribution on graphite surface and their ion signals are long-lived by large ef-fective desorption volume enough to investigate M/SALDI process.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.581-583
• /
• 2006

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.987-992
• /
• 2012

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) treated with phosphoric acid were used to improve sequence coverage in protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). Sample solution of tryptic peptides from proteins was mixed with the MNPs, and the MNPs were separated from the supernatant using a magnet. MALDI mass spectra obtained separately from the supernatant and the MNPs were distinctly different and complementary to each other. Combination of the two spectra led to a significantly increased sequence coverage.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.122-126
• /
• 1996

A series of oligonucleotides were synthesized by automatic DNA synthesizer. The purity of crude products was checked and their molecular weights determined by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) with an accuracy of better than 0.05% deviation even without using an internal standard. This mass determining technology in combination with partial digestion of oligonucleotides by 5'- and 3'-exonuclease provides a straightforward and simple method to obtain sequence information of oligonucleotides. The extension of this technology to the sequencing of modified oligonucleotides and genomic DNA and RNA might become possible.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.35-40
• /
• 2010

A comprehensive comparative investigation of small carbohydrates in laser desorption ionization was performed on supporting materials composed of sodiated 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), carbon nanotubes, an ionic liquid matrix of DHB-pyridine, a binary matrix of DHB-aminopyrazine, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles. The abundance of $[M+Na]^+$ ions, where M is glucose or sucrose, was compared for each supporting material. The highest sensitivity for both glucose and sucrose, with a detection limit of 3 pmol, was observed with carbon nanotubes. Both carbon nanotubes and the ionic liquid matrix exhibited the highest reproducibility.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.865-868
• /
• 1995

The method of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry has been used to solve some bioanalytical problems, which is difficult to analyse by general methods. For the selection of proper laser wavelength and matrices, eight matriees was used with laser wavelength of 226 and 355nm. The result shows that with wavelength of 355nm better results could be obtained with most of the matrices. The molecular weight of eytochrome C, which was seperated by gel electrophoresis and electro-blotted onto NC membrane is determined by MALDI. The accuracy is better than 0.1%, which is much higher than that of SDS-PAGE. Protein mixture extracted from crude peanut oil is directly determined by MALDI. The molecuiar weight of its three components are determined, and the result also demonstrated that these proteins are in free manner. As proteins arc in 2S bond, with the traditional method, SDS-PAGE, it is not able to decide whether protein exists in combination mode or in free manner. In the technique of two phase aquesous solution, which is used for separating biomaterials, water soluble polymers stained with dyes are used in this technique. By the use of MALDI the number or the dye molecules react with the polymer PEG molecule are determined, and that is difficult to determined by other methods.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.26-39
• /
• 2024

Gold nanostructures (Au NSs) are useful and interesting matrices for mass spectrometric analysis of various biomolecules based on organic matrix-free laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-TOF-MS). Au NSs provide high efficiency and versatility in LDI-TOF-MS analysis based on their well-established synthesis and surface functionalization, large surface area, high laser absorption capacity, and photothermal conversion efficiency. Therefore, Au NSs based LDI-TOF-MS can be a facile, functional, and efficient analytical method for important small biomolecules owing to its simple preparation, rapid analysis, salt-tolerance, signal reproducibility, and quantitative analysis. This review chronologically summarizes the important advance of Au NSs-based LDI-TOF-MS platforms in terms of in-depth mechanism, signal enhancement, quantitative analysis, and disease diagnosis.

• Optical Science and Technology
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.29-35
• /
• 2005