Low-Cost Maldi-Fourier Transform Mass Spectormeter

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) has become an important technique for determinimolecular weights of peptides, proteins, glycoproteins, and oligonucleotides. Time-of-flight mass spis normally used with MALDI because all of the ions made by the laser pulse can be detected. Althougand has sub-picomolar sensitivity, the mass resolution and mass measurement accuracy are limited. Resuccessfully coupled MALDI with an IonSpec externalion source Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Eand ultra-high mass resolution were achieved for [Arg8]-vasopressin, neurotensin, melittin, and a nuFor bovine insulin the isotope cluster peaks were baseline resolved (M/ delta M1/2 = 90,000), and thaccuracy was 0.002 percent (20 ppm), which is more than an order of magnitude better than with TOF-Mof the new MALDI-FTMS method is excellent, as demonstrated by a mass spectrum for 100 fmol of a trypprotein. The aim of this grant application is to develop a low cost, compact FTMS instrument that caspecialists in lifescience laboratories. In Phase I, they will redesign and repackage all the electrinstrument. Instead of a research-grade instrument that can perform any conceivable experiment, theinstrument will be made specifically for MALDI. Improved reliability and serviceability will be achiFTMS electronics in a single chassis.