Making MALDI-TOF MS for entomological parameters accessible: A practical guide for in-house library creation

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Entomology

Background:

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a powerful tool for identifying complex biological samples.
• MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by enabling rapid, accurate, and cost-effective species identification.
• Its application in entomology is promising for differentiating species and detecting pathogens in vectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a stepwise approach for creating an in-house MALDI-TOF MS library for entomological samples.
• To demonstrate the utility of MALDI-TOF MS for malaria vector species identification.
• To share a protocol and associated spectral libraries for broader adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a protocol for building an in-house MALDI-TOF MS spectral library.
• Application of the protocol to identify malaria vector species.
• Creation of a publicly accessible spectral library deposited in a data repository.

Main Results:

• Successful differentiation of closely related entomological species using MALDI-TOF MS.
• Demonstrated efficacy of the developed protocol for creating a functional spectral library.
• Public deposition of spectral libraries for malaria vectors and other entomological samples.

Conclusions:

• MALDI-TOF MS is a robust and cost-effective method for entomological sample analysis.
• The presented stepwise approach facilitates the creation of custom MALDI-TOF MS libraries.
• Publicly available libraries enhance the utility of MALDI-TOF MS for vector surveillance and control programs.