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A binary matrix for background suppression in MALDI-MS of small molecules

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Abstract

Application of matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) to small-molecule detection is often limited, because of high matrix background signals in the low-mass region. We report here an approach in which a mixture of two conventional MALDI matrices with different proton affinity was used to suppress the formation of matrix clusters and fragments. Specifically, when acidic α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and basic 9-aminoacridine (9-AA) were used as the binary matrix, fewer background matrix peaks were observed in both positive and negative-mode detection of small molecules. In addition, the presence of CHCA substantially reduced the laser fluence needed for analyte desorption and ionization; thus better signal-to-background ratios were observed for negatively charged inositol phosphates in complex plant extracts.

The mixing of MALDI matrices of different protonaffinities leads to suppression of matrix clusterformation and subsequently yields cleaner MS spectraof fewer background peaks in both positive andnegative detection of small molecules

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Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Drs Wendy Boss, Imara Perera, and Yang-Ju Im in the Department of Botany at NCSU for their kind help in plant extract preparation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA

    Zhong Guo & Lin He

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  1. Zhong Guo
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  2. Lin He
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Correspondence to Lin He.

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Guo, Z., He, L. A binary matrix for background suppression in MALDI-MS of small molecules. Anal Bioanal Chem 387, 1939–1944 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-006-1100-3

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