Target coatings and desorption surfaces in biomolecular MALDI-MS

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is a versatile analytical technique.
• MALDI-MS can be effectively combined with established bioanalytical methods like polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
• Modifications to the MALDI-MS sample target plate are crucial for optimizing sample handling and analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review developments in MALDI-MS target plate modification and derivatization.
• To highlight the synergistic use of MALDI-MS with other bioanalytical techniques.
• To discuss advancements in on-target bioaffinity experiments using modified target surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on MALDI-MS target plate modifications.
• Discussion of hydrophobic coatings for sample deposition and desalting.
• Analysis of sensor surfaces, particularly hydrogel coatings (polysaccharide and polycarboxylate), for bioaffinity applications.

Main Results:

• Hydrophobic coatings improve sample deposition and desalting on MALDI-MS targets.
• Hydrogel-coated sensor surfaces are highly suitable for on-target bioaffinity mass spectrometry experiments.
• Significant evolution in target modification strategies has been observed.

Conclusions:

• MALDI-MS target plate modifications are essential for enhancing its analytical capabilities.
• Hydrogel-based sensor surfaces represent a significant advancement for bioaffinity MS.
• The synergistic integration of MALDI-MS with other techniques is facilitated by optimized target surfaces.