Assessing the performance of different sample targets for a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer

Mass spectrometry is a highly sensitive and fast analysis methodology that provides a detailed chemical profile of a sample, while requiring a small sample volume. Current ionization techniques such as electrospray (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI) have been used to characterize biomarkers in tissue and biological fluids. However, in the case of MALDI the choice for a sample target is non-trivial and manufacturer independent. This study compares the performance of two different sample targets for the analysis of known mixtures of peptides and proteins, as well as an enzymatic digest of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Results differ for each plate/molecule combination, highlighting the importance of thorough characterization of the analytical system used.