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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Whole-cell MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry is an Accurate and Rapid Method to Analyze Different Modes of Macrophage Activation
Published on: December 26, 2013
Immuno-MALDI-TOF MS: new perspectives for clinical applications of mass spectrometry
Katrin Sparbier1, Thomas Wenzel, Hassan Dihazi
1Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Leipzig, Germany. ksp@bdal.de
Abstract:
The discovery of novel biomarkers by means of advanced detection tools based on proteomic analysis technologies necessitates the development of improved diagnostic methods for application in clinical routine. On the basis of three different application examples, this review presents the limitations of conventional routine diagnostic assays and illustrates the advantages of immunoaffinity enrichment combined with MALDI-TOF MS. Applying this approach increases the specificity of the analysis supporting a better diagnostic recognition, sensitivity, and differentiation of certain diseases. The use of MALDI-TOF MS as detection method facilitates the identification of modified peptides and proteins providing additional information. Further, employing respective internal standard peptides allows for relative and absolute quantitation which is mandatory in the clinical context. Although MALDI-TOF MS is not yet established for clinical routine diagnostics this technology has a high potential for improvement of clinical diagnostics and monitoring therapeutic efficacy.
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