Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 10, 2018
Characterization of mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
Abstract:
For synthetic polymers, a proper sample preparation method is essential for successful characterization by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. In this work, six synthetic mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymers (MJLCPs) with different main-chain, spacer and mesogenic units were investigated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Several factors that affect the analysis of these polymers were examined. These factors include matrices used, cationization salts used, the concentration of polymers, and the ratio of sample to matrix. After testing different conditions, we found a suitable sample preparation method for these six polymers. The number average molecular weight (M(n)), weight average molecular weight (M(w)) and polydispersity (PD) were calculated using data obtained in the linear mode. The end groups of the polymers were proposed using data obtained in reflectron mode. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More Related Videos
06:16MALDI-ToF MS Method for the Characterization of Synthetic Polymers with Varying Dispersity and End Groups
Published on: October 3, 2025
09:38Dithranol as a Matrix for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging on a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer
Published on: November 26, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
Peptide Identification Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry
This technique helps gather information regarding the protein from which the peptide was obtained and to study the peptides’ amino acid sequence. Identifying peptides from a complex mixture is an important component of the growing field of...
Mass Spectrum: Interpretation
Mass Spectrometry: Overview