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Biomedical application of MALDI mass spectrometry for small‐molecule analysis
Author(s) -
van Kampen Jeroen J.A.,
Burgers Peter C.,
de Groot Ronald,
Gruters Rob A.,
Luider Theo M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
mass spectrometry reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.035
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 1098-2787
pISSN - 0277-7037
DOI - 10.1002/mas.20268
Subject(s) - chemistry , mass spectrometry , maldi imaging , reproducibility , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , sample preparation , small molecule , matrix (chemical analysis) , molecule , molar mass , desorption , analytical chemistry (journal) , ionization , chromatography , complex matrix , ion , organic chemistry , polymer , biochemistry , adsorption
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging analytical tool for the analysis of molecules with molar masses below 1,000 Da; that is, small molecules. This technique offers rapid analysis, high sensitivity, low sample consumption, a relative high tolerance towards salts and buffers, and the possibility to store sample on the target plate. The successful application of the technique is, however, hampered by low molecular weight (LMW) matrix‐derived interference signals and by poor reproducibility of signal intensities during quantitative analyses. In this review, we focus on the biomedical application of MALDI‐MS for the analysis of small molecules and discuss its favorable properties and its challenges as well as strategies to improve the performance of the technique. Furthermore, practical aspects and applications are presented. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:101–120, 2011