Matrix Assisted Ionization in Vacuum, a Sensitive and Widely Applicable Ionization Method for Mass Spectrometry

摘要: An astonishingly simple new method to produce gas-phase ions of small molecules as well proteins from the solid state under cold vacuum conditions is described. This matrix assisted ionization (MAIV) mass spectrometry (MS) produces multiply charged similar those that typify electrospray (ESI) and uses sample preparation methods are nearly identical matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Unlike these established methods, MAIV does not require a or voltage for ionization, unlike recently introduced inlet method, added heat. MAIV-MS requires only introduction crystalline mixture analyte incorporated with suitable molecule compound such 3-nitrobenzonitrile directly spectrometer. Vacuum intermediate pressure MALDI sources modified ESI successfully analysis by MS this method. As in ESI-MS, ion formation continuous and, without laser, little chemical background observed. MAIV, operating surface offers possibility significantly improved sensitivity relative atmospheric because produced region spectrometer eliminating losses associated transfer vacuum. Mechanistic aspects potential applications discussed.