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Microbowls with Controlled Concavity for Accurate Microscale Mass Spectrometry
Linfeng Xu1, Xiangpeng Li1, Wenzong Li2
1Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|January 19, 2022
Summary
Fabricating patterned surfaces for mass spectrometry is difficult. This study presents a simple method using micrometer-scale wells to improve analyte detection sensitivity and accuracy in mass spectrometry and cell-based assays.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Surface Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Patterned surfaces improve laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LD-MS) sensitivity by concentrating analytes.
- Fabricating such patterned surfaces presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple method for fabricating patterned substrates with micrometer-scale wells.
- To evaluate the performance of these patterned substrates in LD-MS.
- To explore their utility in cell-based assays.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of substrates with micrometer-scale wells using a novel, simple technique.
- Analysis of analytes using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry on both patterned and flat surfaces.
- Assessment of cell and bead localization and concentration on the patterned surfaces.
Main Results:
- The patterned substrates significantly enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of mass spectrometry measurements compared to flat surfaces.
- The micrometer-scale wells effectively concentrate and localize cells and beads.
- The method offers a straightforward approach to creating functionalized surfaces.
Conclusions:
- A facile method for fabricating patterned substrates with micrometer-scale wells has been established.
- These patterned surfaces offer improved performance for laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.
- The substrates show potential for applications in cell-based assays requiring analyte concentration and localization.
