Oxidized carbon nanotubes as matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of biomolecules

Advances in the synthesis and application of silver nanoparticles for laser mass spectrometry: A mini-review

Silver nanoparticles are used in laser mass spectrometry to replace organic matrices. Thanks to their unique properties, they enable effective desorption/ionization of samples of various polarities and ionization abilities. This review presents new methods for the synthesis of monoisotopic silver nanoparticles and the use of targets coated with these nanoparticles for qualitative and quantitative analyses of various small-molecule compounds. Additionally, the results of progress in the application of AgNPs for metabolomics analyses were presented.

Temporally and spatially resolved molecular profiling in fingerprint analysis using indium vanadate nanosheets-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

This study presents the first-ever synthesis of samarium-doped indium vanadate nanosheets (IVONSs:Sm) via microemulsion-mediated solvothermal method. The nanosheets were subsequently utilized as a nano-matrix in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). It was discovered that the as-synthesized IVONSs:Sm possessed the following advantages: improved mass spectrometry signal, minimal matrix-related background, and exceptional stability in negative-ion mode. These qualities overcame the limitations of conventional matrices and enabled the sensitive detection of small biomolecules such as fatty acids. The negative-ion LDI mechanism of IVONSs:Sm was examined through the implementation of density functional theory simulation. Using IVONSs:Sm-assisted LDI-MS, fingerprint recognitions based on morphology and chemical profiles of endogenous/exogenous compounds were also achieved. Notably, crucial characteristics such as the age of an individual's fingerprints and their physical state could be assessed through the longitudinal monitoring of particular biomolecules (e.g., ascorbic acid, fatty acid) or the specific biomarker bilirubin glucuronide. Critical information pertinent to the identification of an individual would thus be facilitated by the analysis of the compounds underlying the fingerprint patterns.

Application of surface-layer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging to pharmaceutical-loaded poly(ester urea) films

Polymer thin films are often used in transdermal patches as a method of continuous drug administration for patients with chronic illness. Understanding the drug segregation and distribution within these films is important for monitoring proper drug release over time. Surface-layer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (SL-MALDI-MSI) is a unique analytical technique that provides an optical representation of chemical compositions that exist at the surface of polymeric materials. Solvent-free sublimation is employed for application of matrix to the sample surface, so that only molecules in direct contact with the matrix layer are detected. Here, these methodologies are utilized to visualize variations in drug concentration at both the air and substrate interface in pharmaceutical-loaded polymer films.

Fabrication of a simple 3D-printed microfluidic device with embedded electrochemiluminescence detection for rapid determination of sibutramine in dietary supplements

The design and fabrication of a simple 3D-printed platform with embedded electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection for sibutramine determination is described. The microfluidic platform was fabricated by the fused deposition 3D-printing technique with polylactic acid filament, facilitated by computer-aided design (CAD). A three-electrode system was integrated into the device using graphene carbon paste as a working electrode, Ag/AgCl wire as a reference, and a graphite rod as a counter electrode. A further modification was carried out by applying bimetallic Au-Pt nanoparticle-supported multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-Au-Pt) on the working electrode surface to enhance the electrocatalytic performance by exploiting the unique properties of nanomaterials. The analytical feasibility of the CAD-ECL sensor was tested through its application for the determination of sibutramine in dietary supplements. Under the optimized conditions, based on the enhancing effect of luminol emission, the device exhibited a linear calibration curve of the logarithmic sibutramine concentration versus ECL intensity in the range 5 × 10^-3 to 1 ng mL^-1. The limit of detection was 3 pg mL^-1 with a relative standard deviation of 1.7% (n = 15). The 3D-printed prototype can be successfully applied to a small-scale analysis in a simple and cost-effective approach.

Engineering of nanomaterials for mass spectrometry analysis of biomolecules

Mass spectrometry (MS) based analysis has received intense attention in diverse biological fields. However, direct MS interrogation of target biomolecules in complex biological samples is still challenging, due to the extremely low abundance and poor ionization potency of target biological species. Innovations in nanomaterials create new auxiliary tools for deep and comprehensive MS characterization of biomolecules. More recently, growing research interest has been directed to the compositional and structural engineering of nanomaterials for enriching target biomolecules prior to MS analysis, enhancing the ionization efficiency in MS detection and designing biosensing nanoprobes in sensitive MS readout. In this review, we mainly focus on the recent advances in the engineering of nanomaterials towards their applications in sample pre-treatment, desorption/ionization matrices and ion signal amplification for MS profiling of biomolecules. This review will provide a toolbox of nanomaterials for researchers devoted to developing analytical methods and practical applications in the biological MS field.

A general purpose MALDI matrix for the analyses of small organic, peptide and protein molecules

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) has been widely applied for the analysis of large biomolecules. The emergence of inorganic material substrates and new organic matrices extends the use of MALDI MS for small molecule analyses. However, there are usually preferred matrices for different types of analytes. Here, an organic compound, 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzonitrile, was found to be a general purpose matrix for the analyses of small organic, peptide and protein molecules. In particular, 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzonitrile has a strong UV absorption property, and it provides a clean background in the low mass range. Its analytical performances as a UV-laser matrix were demonstrated for different types of analytes, including organic drugs, peptides, proteins, mouse brain tissue and bacteria. Compared with commercial matrices, this new matrix has better performances when analyzing small molecules, such as drugs, peptides and lipids, while it has similar performances when analyzing proteins.

Preparation and comparison of Fe3O4@graphene oxide nanoclusters for analysis of glimepiride in urine by surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Graphene oxide (GO) has the ability to absorb certain compounds, and it can be modified with functional groups for different purposes; for instance, iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles can be used to concentrate analyte by a magnet. Recently, many kinds of GO have been developed, such as single-layer GO (SLGO), two-to-four layers of GO (i.e., few-layer GO, FLGO^2-4), and four-to-eight layers of GO (i.e., multi-layer GO, MLGO^4-8). However, the abilities of these layered GO coated with IO nanoparticles have not been investigated. In this study, we conducted a novel analysis of glimepiride by using layered GO-coated magnetic clusters of IO nanoparticles that were synthesized through a simple and facile emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The methodology is based on (i) enrichment of glimepiride using the layered GO-coated magnetic clusters of IO nanoparticles (IO@SLGO, IO@FLGO^2-4, and IO@MLGO^4-8), and (ii) rapid determination using magnetic cluster-based surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SALDI-TOFMS). We found that IO@MLGO^4-8, the magnetic cluster with the greatest number of GO layers, had the best limit of detection (28.6 pmol/μL for glimepiride). The number of GO layers played a significant role in increasing the sensitivity of the SALDI-MS, indicating that the size of GO in the magnetic clusters contributed to the desorption/ionization efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to enrich glimepiride using magnetic clusters of different GO types and to show that the glimepiride in HLB purified urine adsorbed by magnetic clusters can be analyzed by SALDI-TOFMS.

Nanomaterials as Assisted Matrix of Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Small Molecules

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), a soft ionization method, coupling with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) has become an indispensible tool for analyzing macromolecules, such as peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and polymers. However, the application of MALDI for the analysis of small molecules (<700 Da) has become the great challenge because of the interference from the conventional matrix in low mass region. To overcome this drawback, more attention has been paid to explore interference-free methods in the past decade. The technique of applying nanomaterials as matrix of laser desorption/ionization (LDI), also called nanomaterial-assisted laser desorption/ionization (nanomaterial-assisted LDI), has attracted considerable attention in the analysis of low-molecular weight compounds in TOF MS. This review mainly summarized the applications of different types of nanomaterials including carbon-based, metal-based and metal-organic frameworks as assisted matrices for LDI in the analysis of small biological molecules, environmental pollutants and other low-molecular weight compounds.

Development of N,S-doped carbon dots as a novel matrix for the analysis of small molecules by negative ion MALDI-TOF MS

The synthesized N,S-CDs was firstly used as a matrix for small molecule analysis with good reproducibility, high sensitivity and high salt tolerance.

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MS) is rapidly growing in popularity as an analytical characterization method in several fields. The technique shot to prominence using matrix-assisted desorption/ionization for large biomolecules (>700 Da), such as proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. However, because the matrix, which consists of small organic molecules, is also ionized, the technique is of limited use in the low-molecular-mass range (<700 Da). Recent advances in surface science have facilitated the development of matrix-free laser desorption/ionization MS approaches, which are referred to here as surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) MS. In contrast to traditional matrix-assisted techniques, the materials used for SALDI-MS are not ionized, which expands the usefulness of this technique to small-molecule analyses. This review discusses the current status of SALDI-MS as a standard analytical technique, with an emphasis on potential applications in proteomics.

Carbon dots as nanoantennas for anti-inflammatory drug analysis using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in serum

C-dots assisted LDI MS method has been developed for the detection of Mefenamic acid in serum.

Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of folic acid, vancomycin and Triton® X-100 on variously functionalized carbon nanotubes

RATIONALE

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been ascertained to constitute versatile assisting matrices for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of different molecules. The functionalization thereof can lead to obtaining laser desorption/ionization assisting surfaces that would allow the detection of molecules at lower concentration and produce spectra with a better signal-to-noise ratio.

METHODS

Pristine, -OH and -COOH functionalized multi-walled CNTs were obtained from commercial suppliers. Gallic or sinapinic acid was attached covalently to the CNT surfaces by forming an ester bond. Folic acid, vancomycin and Triton(®) X-100 were used as analytes to examine properties of these new assisting surfaces. Mass spectrometry analysis was conducted on a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (MALDIQTOF) mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

The functionalization of CNTs was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The obtained mass spectra revealed that all the assisting surfaces are capable of transferring energy to the analytes; moreover, the presence of carboxyl groups in the structures of CNTs highly enhances their ionization properties. Nevertheless, the presence of sinapinic acid on CNT surfaces does not increase their properties to absorb pulse laser energy.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented assisting surfaces are effective in LDI mass analysis of folic acid, vancomycin and Triton(®) X-100. The appropriate functionalization of CNTs can lead to the production of assisting surfaces that can become highly effective in the ionization of particular types of analytes.

Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the characterization of functionalized carbon nanotubes

RATIONALE

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) generates complex systems that require the development of suitable characterization protocols. New techniques have been explored, and existing analytical and spectroscopic methods to characterize functionalized CNTs have been adapted. Presently, chemical characterization of functionalized CNTs (f-CNTs) remains a difficult task.

METHODS

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) analysis is performed on f-MWCNT samples prepared via grafting or absorption of anti-oxidant (AO) molecules on both MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT-OH. Covalently functionalized MWCNTs were subjected to thermal degradation and/or hydrolysis reaction before analysis, whereas MWCNTs with a physical adsorption of the functionalizing molecules were directly spotted in the target sample. Noteworthy, in our approach f-MWCNTs constitute at the same time analyte and MALDI matrix.

RESULTS

The identification of functionalizing AO molecules is ascertained after degradation or hydrolysis reactions in both MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT-OH grafted samples. Absorbed AO molecules, as well as organic impurities derived from grafting reactions, are also revealed by MALDI MS without any preliminary cleavage reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry method permits to obtain the unambiguous discrimination between grafted or adsorbed functionalized molecules onto the surface of MWCNTs.

Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of surfactants on functionalized carbon nanotubes

RATIONALE

Recently, unmodified and carboxylated carbon nanotubes have been used as assisting surfaces laser desorption/ionization (LDI) in mass spectrometry. The functionalization of carbon nanotubes with organic compounds should lead to a gamut of other promising LDI-assisting surfaces.

METHODS

Carboxylated carbon nanotubes were functionalized with sinapinic acid either covalently or by creating an ionic macro-complex. Polyether-based surfactants were used as analytes to examine the properties of these new matrices. Mass spectrometric analysis was conducted on a LDI-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer. Carbon nanotube surfaces were deposited from suspension using the dried-droplet method.

RESULTS

The functionalization of the carbon nanotubes was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The usefulness of each material was examined with two poly(ethylene glycol) hexadecyl ether amphiphiles (Brij® 52 and Brij® 56) and a poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether as analytes. Generally, the mass spectra obtained with carbon nanotubes covalently functionalized with sinapinic acid as a matrix had peaks with higher intensities than those obtained with carbon nanotubes functionalized by ionic macro-complex formation.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented new materials based on functionalized carbon nanotubes are effective in the LDI mass analysis of polyether amphiphiles and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether. This type of assisting surfaces can be highly modified by appropriate functionalization procedures.

Fabrication of alternating multilayer films of graphene oxide and carbon nanotube and its application in mechanistic study of laser desorption/ionization of small molecules

Graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) have been actively explored as matrix for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) in place of conventional organic matrix. Recently, the GO/MWCNT double layer films on a solid substrate showed excellent applicability in small molecule analysis, enzyme activity assay and tissue imaging. In the present study, LDI processes of small molecules on multilayers of alternating MWCNT and GO hybrid films were thoroughly investigated. We found that the LDI efficiency of small molecules was affected by thickness, assembly sequence and surface roughness of the hybrid films that were controlled by varying the number of layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly cycles. The study would provide useful basic information to develop an efficient LDI-MS platform based on carbon nanomaterials.

Synergistic effect of graphene oxide/MWCNT films in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of small molecules and tissue imaging

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry has been considered an important tool for various biochemical analyses and proteomics research. Although addition of conventional matrix efficiently supports laser desorption/ionization of analytes with minimal fragmentation, it often results in high background interference and misinterpretation of the spatial distribution of biomolecules especially in low-mass regions. Here, we show design, systematic characterization, and application of graphene oxide/multiwalled carbon nanotube-based films fabricated on solid substrates as a new matrix-free laser desorption/ionization platform. We demonstrate that the graphene oxide/multiwalled carbon nanotube double layer provides many advantages as a laser desorption/ionization substrate, such as efficient desorption/ionization of analytes with minimum fragmentation, high salt tolerance, no sweet-spots for mass signal, excellent durability against mechanical and photoagitation and prolonged exposure to ambient conditions, and applicability to tissue imaging mass spectrometry. This platform will be widely used as an important tool for mass spectrometry-based biochemical analyses because of its outstanding performance, long-term stability, and cost effectiveness.

Quantitative analysis of phospholipids using nanostructured laser desorption ionization targets

Since its introduction as an ionization technique in mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) has been applied to a wide range of applications. Quantitative small molecule analysis by MALDI, however, is limited due to the presence of intense signals from the matrix coupled with non-homogeneous surfaces. The surface used in nano-structured laser desorption ionization (NALDI) eliminates the need for a matrix and the resulting interferences, and allows for quantitative analysis of small molecules. This study was designed to analyze and quantitate phospholipid components of liposomes. Here we have developed an assay to quantitate the DPPC and DC(8,9)PC in liposomes by NALDI following various treatments. To test our method we chose to analyze a liposome system composed of DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and DC(8,9)PC (1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), as DC(8,9)PC is known to undergo cross-linking upon treatment with UV (254 nm) and this reaction converts the monomer into a polymer. First, calibration curves for pure lipids (DPPC and DC(8,9)PC) were created using DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) as an internal standard. The calibration curve for both DPPC and DC(8,9)PC showed an R(2) of 0.992, obtained using the intensity ratio of analyte and internal standard. Next, DPPC:DC(8,9)PC liposomes were treated with UV radiation (254 nm). Following this treatment, lipids were extracted from the liposomes and analyzed. The analysis of the lipids before and after UV exposure confirmed a decrease in the signal of DC(8,9)PC of about 90%. In contrast, there was no reduction in DPPC signal.

Matrix interference-free method for the analysis of small molecules by using negative ion laser desorption/ionization on graphene flakes

This work presents a new approach for the analysis of small molecules with direct negative ion laser desorption/ionization (LDI) on graphene flakes. A series of matrix interference-free mass spectra were obtained for the analysis of a wide range of small molecules including peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, as well as nucleosides and nucleotides. The mixture of analytes and graphene flakes suspension were directly pipetted onto a sample plate for LDI-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) analysis. Deprotonated monomeric species [M-H](-) ions were homogeneously obtained on uniform graphene flakes film when negative ion mode was applied. In positive ion mode, the analytes were detected in form of multiple adduct ions such as sodium adduct [M+Na](+), potassium adduct [M+K](+), double sodium adduct [M+2Na-H](+), double potassium adduct [M+2K-H](+), as well as sodium and potassium mixed adduct [M+Na+K-H](+). Better sensitivity and reproducibility were achieved in negative ion mode compared to positive ion mode. It is believed that the new method of matrix interference-free negative ion LDI on graphene flakes may be expanded for LDI-MS analysis of various small molecules.

Characterization of unknown compounds from stainless steel plates in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Peaks originating from unknown compounds on stainless steel plates used in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometers are observed around m/z 304.3, 332.3, 360.4, and 388.4 regardless of the matrix and/or solvent, and are even observed with bare plates. These peaks were characterized using three different types of MALDI-MS instrumentation: MALDI-TOF MS, MALDI-TOF/TOF MS, and MALDI-FTMS. The fragmentation data from MALDI-TOF/TOF MS and accurate mass determination by MALDI-FTMS enabled identification of the chemical formulae and structures. The unknown compounds are, in fact, likely benzylalkylmethylammonium salts, as confirmed by closely matching fragmentation patterns with a commercially available benzalkonium chloride.

Holographically Fabricated Dye-Doped Nanoporous Polymers as Matrix for Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

We report laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using a dye-doped nanoporous polymer matrix. The nanoporous polymer matrix was fabricated through a holographic interference patterning technique. The periodically aligned nanopores in the resulting polymer matrix produced a high surface-to-volume ratio that facilitates the homogeneous cocrystallization of the matrix and an analyte (i.e., peptide in this demonstration). To generate nanostructures with further enhanced functionalities, dyes were also incorporated into the photopolymer. We demonstrate that by using the dye-doped nanoporous polymer matrix, we can identify peptides with an enhanced signal from the peptides and decreased noise from the ion fragmentation. These results indicate that the dye-doped nanoporous polymer matrix we use here can be a promising platform for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Comparison of inert supports in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of peptides: pencil lead, porous silica gel, DIOS-chip and NALDI target

In the search for alternative inert surfaces replacing silicon chips in Desorption/Ionization On porous Silicon (DIOS)-like mass spectrometry analyses, nanostructured silicon-based NALDI chips were evaluated in Laser Desorption/Ionization (LDI) of peptides. Comparisons were made using commercially available DIOS chips (MassPREP-DIOS-target), amorphous carbon powder from lead pencil and porous silica gel used for chromatographic purposes as reference supports. A set of synthetic model peptides presenting variable amino acid sequences of various lengths was analyzed under all conditions. The LDI responses of the four 'matrix-free' techniques were compared, especially in terms of peptide detection sensitivity and overall experiment robustness.

Metabolic fingerprinting as a diagnostic tool

Within the framework of systems biology, functional analyses at all 'omic levels have seen an intense level of activity during the first decade of the twenty-first century. These include genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics. It could be said that metabolomics offers some unique advantages over the other 'omics disciplines and one of the core approaches of metabolomics for disease diagnostics is metabolic fingerprinting. This review provides an overview of the main metabolic fingerprinting approaches used for disease diagnostics and includes: infrared and Raman spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, followed by an introduction to a wide range of novel mass spectrometry-based methods, which are currently under intense investigation and developmental activity in laboratories worldwide. It is hoped that this review will act as a springboard for researchers and clinicians across a wide range of disciplines in this exciting era of multidisciplinary and novel approaches to disease diagnostics.

High-sensitivity matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry analyses of small carbohydrates and amino acids using oxidized carbon nanotubes prepared by chemical vapor deposition as matrix

In matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) analyses of small oligosaccharides and amino acids, high sensitivities for oligosaccharides (10 fmol) were obtained by introducing oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with short and open-end structure as valuable matrix. The CNTs were deposited in porous anodic alumina (PAA) templates by chemical vapor deposition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that those CNTs include low levels of amorphous carbon. Thus, the background interference signals generally caused by amorphous carbon powder in CNTs can be reduced effectively. Experiments also confirmed that the FTMS signal intensity of CNTs prepared in PAA template is much lower than that of commercial multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MCNTs). Moreover, the purified process for CNTs with mixed acid (H2SO4 and HNO3) also contributed to the minimization of background. Intense signals corresponding to alkali cation adduct of neutral carbohydrates and amino acids have been acquired. In addition, reliable quantitative analyses for urine and corn root were also achieved successfully. The present work will open a new way to the application of oxidized CNTs as an effective matrix in MALDI MS research.

Role of carbon nano-materials in the analysis of biological materials by laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry

At present, carbon nano-materials are being utilized in various procedures, especially in laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) for analyzing a range of analytes, which include peptides, proteins, metabolites, and polymers. Matrix-oriented LDI-MS techniques are very well established, with weak organic acids as energy-absorbing substances. Carbon materials, such as nano-tubes and fullerenes are being successfully applied in the small-mass range, where routine matrices have strong background signals. In addition, the role of carbon nano-materials is very well established in the fractionation and purification fields. Modified diamond powder and surfaces are utilized in binding peptides and proteins from complex biological fluids and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Polylysine-coated diamond is used for solid-phase extraction to pre-concentrate DNA oligonucleotides. Graphite is useful for desalting, pre-concentration, and as energy-absorbing material (matrix) in desorption/ionization. Carbon nano-tubes in their different derivatized forms are used as matrix materials for the analysis of a range of analytes, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and some environmental samples by LDI-MS. Fullerenes are modified in different ways to bind serum entities analyzed through MALDI/TOF-MS and are subsequently utilized in their identifications. In addition, the fullerenes are a promising matrix in LDI-MS, but improvements are needed.

Single drop microextraction as a concentrating probe for rapid screening of low molecular weight drugs from human urine in atmospheric-pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

The present work reports the development of a new analytical procedure for simple and rapid screening of low molecular weight drugs (<500 Da) from human urine samples by atmospheric-pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (AP-MALDI-MS) combined with single drop microextraction (SDME). The success of the proposed method is due to the use of methyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) as additive to avoid the noise arising from the matrix ions (alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA)). SDME also aided in alleviating the interferences arising from other matrix ions present in the urine samples prior to AP-MALDI-MS analysis. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency of drugs, such as selection of solvent, stirring speed, extraction time, exposure volume of extraction phase and salt addition, have been optimized. The optimum molar ratio of CHCA/MTOAC that gave the minimum background noise of CHCA ions was 700:1. The limit of detection (LOD) and relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method were in the ranges 0.3-1.6 microM and 7.8-11.4%, respectively. The SDME method was compared with liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) to evaluate the compatibility of the present method in the extraction of drugs from urine samples. The role of MTOAC as matrix ion signal suppressor and SDME as analyte-separating device in the rapid screening of low molecular weight drugs from human urine samples using AP-MALDI/MS has been reported.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization studies on transition metal complexes of benzimidazole thiosemicarbazones

The transition metal (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Hg) complexes of 2- acetylbenzimidazolethiosemicarbazone (L(1)) and 1-methyl 2-acetylbenzimidazole-thiosemicarbazone (L(2)) are analyzed by MALDI using HCCA, THP, MMNPD and DMN as the matrices. All the MALDI spectra are clean without any contribution from the complex ions resulted by multiple proton addition/removal. All the complexes, except Cu, irrespective of the matrix used, show 1:2 complex ions wherein two ligands (neutral or deprotonated) complex with the metal ion depending on the nature and stable oxidation state of the central metal ion viz., [M + 2L - 2H](+) ion for Fe and Co complexes (+3 oxidation state) and [M + 2L - H](+) ion for Ni, Zn, Cd and Hg (+2 oxidation state). The Cu complex show 1:1 complex ion corresponding to [2M + 2L - 2H](+) ions. When HCCA is used as a matrix, the complex ions due to ligand exchange by matrix are also found, and this process is relatively more if a neutral ligand is bound to the metal ion in the original complex ion. The type of complex ions found under MALDI experiments are similar to those found under ESI experiments. However, the complex ions due to reduction of Cu are found only in the MALDI analysis of Cu complexes.