Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS): basics and clinical applications

摘要: Background Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) has been used for more than 30 years. Compared with other analytical techniques, it offers ease of use, high throughput, robustness, cost-effectiveness, rapid analysis and sensitivity. As advantages, current clinical techniques (e.g. immunoassays) are unable to directly measure the biomarker; rather, they secondary signals. MALDI-MS extensively researched applications, is set a breakthrough as routine tool diagnostics. Content This review reports on principles discusses applications future prospects MALDI-MS. Furthermore, assesses limitations currently experienced in assays, advantages impact transform laboratories. Summary widely microbiology screening microbial isolates; however, there scope apply diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic drug monitoring biopsy imaging many diseases. Outlook There considerable potential clinic screening, profiling because its sensitivity specificity over alternative techniques.