Matrix addition by condensation for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization of collected aerosol particles

Condensation of an ultraviolet absorbing liquid matrix onto aerosol particles was used to enhance the ionization efficiency of large molecules. Laboratory-generated particles were coated with matrix, deposited on a sample target, and analyzed by laser desorption mass spectrometry with no other matrix addition. The aerosol was generated in a Collison nebulizer, and the particles were dried in a diffusion dryer before entering a heated region saturated with the liquid matrix 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol (NBA) and then entering a cooled condensation region. Matrix-coated particles were collected on a sample target and analyzed using a 337-nm laser and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Particles containing the peptides gramicidin S and gramicidin D were analyzed both with and without the matrix addition step. Condensation addition of matrix increased the biomolecule ion signal and resulted in mass spectra with less fragmentation and low-mass ion interference.