Automation of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using fuzzy logic feedback control

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is a sensitive and versatile method for biomolecular analysis which has potential for high-throughput screening in many applications. To obtain mass spectra of optimal quality, however, laser fluence is continuously adjusted during data acquisition to be close to the threshold level of ion production, requiring a skilled operator and several minutes of acquisition time per sample. Using real-time fuzzy logic control of the laser fluence, we here demonstrate that the acquisition of MALDI spectra can be automated without reduction of data quality. The control algorithm evaluates signal intensity and mass resolution of the base peak. It then regulates the laser fluence to keep the ion signal intensity within the dynamic range of the data acquisition hardware while maintaining high mass resolution. This fuzzy logic control system allows unattended data acquisition using either static ion extraction or delayed ion extraction MALDI. Even for difficult samples such as femtomole-level peptide mixtures, no significant reduction in data quality is observed, as compared to manually obtained spectra. Automated analysis of 78 chromatographic fractions with high mass accuracy demonstrates the utility of the method. The control algorithm has been combined with other software modules to completely automate database identification of proteins by their peptide mass maps. The success of fuzzy logic in MALDI automation suggests wider uses of this technique in mass spectrometry.