Innovative selective MALDI-Target also favourable for the analysis of complex MALDI-probes
Reference Number TO 02-00083
The Challenge
Matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) is a very mild method for the analysis of large sensitive biomolecules such as peptides, proteins and nucleic acids. In order to avoid disturbance of analytical results, electric charges resulting from laser bombardment have to be shunted. Therefore, MALDI-analyses typically require a metal support (target) that has the necessary conductivity. Recent developments in MALDI-analysis aim to further link capturing molecules to the target surface that have a specific affinity to the investigated biomolecule. In situ synthesis of the capturing molecule directly on the target surface – as known from the combinational solid phase synthesis techniques – is an interesting alternative to link a large variety of selective capturing molecules with high density to the target surface. This would be specifically advantageous for MALDI-analysis of complex samples. However, the prevalent plastic supports used in solid phase synthesis lack the necessary conductivity.
The Technology
The invention discloses a plastic MALDI-target that has the required electric conductivity thanks to mixed-in carbon black. The inventive MALDI-target is produced by injection moulding. The production process ensures fully flat and smooth target surfaces required for optimal MALDI-analysis.
Commercial Opportunity
The inventive MALDI-target (carbon black/polypropylene composite) is a powerful tool for a large number of R&D applications in the field of proteomics and genomics. In drug development, mass spectrometry is a very valuable and process efficient means for identification, characterisation and validation of target molecules. The demand for specifically modified MALDI-targets will therefore continuously grow especially in the pharma industry.
The key advantages are:
- Possibility to combine high throughput synthesis with high content analysis of biomaterial avoiding any transfer of material
- Innovative method for the production of selective MALDI-targets that are very advantageous for the MALDI-analysis of complex samples
- Selective capturing molecules are linked in high density directly to the target surface by in situ synthesis
- Clean, sharp and accurate signals obtained comparable to conventional MALDI-analysis using metal targets
- Cost efficient manufacturing technique based on injection moulding process
- Reuse of specific MALDI-targets for a number of times depending on the detachability of the captured biomaterial
Patent situation
German patent application, dated February 12, 2003. International patent application filed (PCT).
