Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
06:49
Visualization of Ambient Mass Spectrometry with the Use of Schlieren Photography
Published on: June 20, 2016
Construction of a versatile high precision ambient ionization source for direct analysis and imaging
Jason S Sampson1, Adam M Hawkridge, David C Muddiman
1W. M. Keck FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|July 29, 2008
Summary
We developed a high-precision matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI) source for analyzing peptides and proteins. This versatile platform enhances desorption and ionization techniques for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation
Background:
- Ambient ionization techniques offer advantages for direct sample analysis.
- Matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI) combines features of both MALDI and ESI.
- Developing high-precision, stable sources is crucial for reproducible results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the design and construction of a novel, high-precision MALDESI source.
- To demonstrate the capabilities of the new source using peptides and proteins.
- To highlight the platform's versatility for various desorption and ionization methods.
Main Methods:
- Detailed design and construction of a high-precision ambient ionization source.
- Integration of a computer-controlled motion control system.
- Utilization of a high-repetition rate Explorer laser for MALDESI.
- Analysis of peptides and proteins (1-17 kDa) using MALDESI-FT-ICR.
Main Results:
- Successful design and construction of a stable, high-precision MALDESI source.
- Demonstration of the source's performance in analyzing peptides and proteins.
- Characterization of the motion control system and laser integration.
- Achieved high stability ionization for reproducible analyses.
Conclusions:
- The developed MALDESI source offers high precision and stability.
- The platform demonstrates versatility for multiple desorption and ionization techniques.
- This work provides a foundation for advanced ambient ionization applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
In inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch is used as an atomizer and ionizer. Solid samples are dissolved and volatilized before being introduced into the high-temperature argon plasma, while solution samples are nebulized and passed through the high-temperature argon plasma. Plasma dissociates the analytes and ionizes their component atoms to form a mixture of positive ions and molecular species. The positive ions are then passed on to...
01:19Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the most widely used plasma source in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), also known as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The ICP source, or torch, consists of three concentric quartz tubes with argon gas flowing through them. A spark from a Tesla coil initiates the ionization of argon, generating a high-temperature plasma.
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
01:19Mass Analyzers: Common Types
The quadrupole mass analyzer consists of four cylindrical metal rods arranged in a diamond carrying a DC voltage and a radio-frequency AC voltage. The motion of ions through the quadrupole depends on the field strength, causing only ions of a certain m/z to resonate successfully and strike the detector at a given field strength. Though the transmission rate for these analyzers is high, the exact elemental composition of the sample is not determined because of low resolution; however, they are...
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
01:26Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the common plasma source used in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), a technique that detects and analyzes various elements in a sample. This method is often called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...