Proteomic profiling by nanomaterials-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for...

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of global proteome samples derived from biocomplex mixtures are very important to understand the cellular functions in cell biology. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)-based proteomics has recently become one of the most informative and attractive core technologies in proteomics. Particularly, nanomaterials-based MALDI mass spectrometric methods are quickly becoming a critical miniaturized bioanalytical tool for detecting and discerning proteins from biocomplex samples. These MALDI-developed strategies allow high-throughput identification of proteins from highly complex mixtures including accurate mass measurement of peptides derived from total proteome digests and peptides/proteins separations from various samples. The nanomaterials-integrated MALDI-MS technologies in protein arrays hold much promise for interrogating the diverse and immense proteome in cell biology. As a result, nanomaterials-assisted MALDI-MS-based proteomic workflow, including sample preparation, information on the local molecular composition, relative abundance and spatial distribution of peptides and proteins and their analysis, should make the technology more easily available to a broad community and turn it into a powerful methodology for bioanalysts.