Matrix-bearing targets for maldi mass spectrometry and methods of production thereof
First Claim
1. A method of forming a continuous matrix-bearing target having a matrix aver with an average thickness in excess of 0.7 μ
- m and being substantially free of matrix crystals having any dimension in excess of 10 μ
m for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry comprising;
directing at a deposition surface a spray of a solution of a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization matrix material dissolved in a solvent;
simultaneously directing at said surface a stream of non-reactive gas forming a substantially coaxial sheath enveloping said spray; and
causing said surface and said spray to move relative to one another forming a continuous matrix layer of said matrix material having an average thickness in excess of 0.7 μ
m and being substantially free of matrix crystals having any dimension in excess of 10 μ
m the matrix layer being deposited on said surface.
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Abstract
The present invention provides new methods for producing substantially continuous, homogeneous layers of MALDI matrix materials deposited on MALDI targets and substantially free of voids and large crystals. The methods involve the deposition of MALDI matrix materials in a nebulized spray which is enveloped in a sheath of non-reactive gas which confines and entrains the spray and aids in the evaporation of the solvent such that substantial, if not complete, solvent evaporation occurs before the matrix material is deposited on the target surface. The invention further provides such matrix layers and pre-formed matrix-bearing targets for use in MALDI mass spectrometry.
125 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method of forming a continuous matrix-bearing target having a matrix aver with an average thickness in excess of 0.7 μ
- m and being substantially free of matrix crystals having any dimension in excess of 10 μ
m for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry comprising;directing at a deposition surface a spray of a solution of a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization matrix material dissolved in a solvent; simultaneously directing at said surface a stream of non-reactive gas forming a substantially coaxial sheath enveloping said spray; and causing said surface and said spray to move relative to one another forming a continuous matrix layer of said matrix material having an average thickness in excess of 0.7 μ
m and being substantially free of matrix crystals having any dimension in excess of 10 μ
m the matrix layer being deposited on said surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- m and being substantially free of matrix crystals having any dimension in excess of 10 μ
Specification