Atmospheric Pressure Mass Spectrometry
Atmospheric Pressure MALDI
Atmospheric Pressure MALDI
The MassTech™ Atmospheric-Pressure Matrix-Assisted Laser-Desorption Ionisation (AP-MALDI) source enables mass spectrometers fitted with an electrospray or nanospray source to have the additional capability of MALDI. It is called AP-MALDI because, unlike vacuum MALDI, ionisation takes place under atmospheric conditions. This provides several important advantages including convenience, speed of analysis, simplicity of operation and cost.
The video shows how quickly an LC-MS instrument can be converted to have MALDI capability.
There are 2 versions of the source, one for high throughput analysis of spots deposited on a 192 positions metal target plate. The other version AP-MALDI-UHR is designed for high resolution imaging experiments.
See how quickly an LC-MS instrument can be converted from Electrospray to AP-MALDI
Settings and applications
Features
- Change between MALDI and ESI/nanospray in minutes. Calibrate in ESI and switch to MALDI without recalibration. Sample plates loaded in seconds as there is no waiting for vacuum to be achieved - see a video of the installation of an AP-MALDI source above
- Fast imaging, 2.5 hours to image a 1 cm x 1cm section when coupled with latest fast scanning mass spectrometers ( 12Hz or better)
- High resolution X-Y stage for 5 micron spot size
- S/W can run sequences of multiple regions of interest and non-rectangular areas of tissues
- MS-MS and MSn data (if instrumental capabilities permit) from a MALDI source for enhanced sequencing information at a fraction of the cost of a TOF-TOF instrument
- Robotic control of MALDI targets with CCTV point-and-click visual alignment checking for confidence in operation
- Imaging acquisition and processing software for MALDI imaging of tissues and other surfaces
Request a quote
Complete our Request a Quote form, and we will promptly prepare a tailored quote designed to meet your requirements. We’re here to support your purchase. Please submit your details, and we’ll respond with a tailored quote.
Alternatively, you can telephone us directly during business hours or drop us an email.
Applications and Data Examples
Maldi Imaging
Add AP-MALDI to your LC-MS instrument and preform Mass Spec Imaging (MSI) at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated MALDI Mass Spectrometer. The MassTech AP-MALDI source can be added to ThermoFisher Scientific, Agilent, AB-Sciex LC-MS instruments to give you MALDI imaging capability.
Tissue Imaging
The data to the right was produced using an AP‑MALDI UHR / Orbitrap Exploris 480 HRMS imaging experiment performed by Dr. Gilles Frache, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and Maureen Feucherolles ( LIST). The mouse brain was obtained through the courtesy of Pr. William J Griffiths Pr. Yuqin Wang (Swansea University Oxysterol Research Group) and the cryo-sections have been prepared for analysis using the SunChrom matrix sprayer. The tissue was imaged at 25 micrometer pixel size at a mass resolution of 480 000 at m/z 200.
The image shows the RGB overlay image of 3 lipids. Red: [C40H79O10P + Na]⁺ m/z=773.5303 tentatively assigned as PG(34:0), Green: [C41H82NO8P + Na]⁺ m/z=770.5670 tentatively assigned as PE(36:0), Blue: [C46H89NO8 + H]⁺ m/z=784.6661 tentatively assigned as GalCer(40:1) according to Metaspace http://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/v14/n1/full/nmeth.4072.html
The data set is available on https://metaspace2020.eu/datasets?prj=f62682cc-5ebd-11ee-adaa-33f255ad8aae
One of the uses of MALDI tissue imaging in the pharmaceutical industry is to monitor the distribution of drugs and their metabolites in target tissues. This interesting application note shows the use of the AP-MALDI source with a high resolution mass spectrometer analysing tissues that have been prepared for analysis using the SunCollect spraying device.
Documentation
Download: App-Note KRA-peptides
Download: APMALDI mouse brain imaging on Exploris480
Download: APMALDI on Exploris480
Technical information
Type of ionization | Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionization (AP-MALDI) |
Laser wavelength | 355 nm (Nd:YAG DPSS laser) |
Laser repetition rate | 1-10 kHz |
Laser energy | <3 J/pulse |
Minimum laser spot size | 5-10 micron (UHR model) 50 micron (HR model) |
Limit of detection | 1 femtomole/sample (Bradykinin) (typically) |
Mass range | According to that of mass spectrometer |
Sample plate formats | Opti-TOF (192 spots), 25-mm wide microscope slides |
X stage travel distance | 55 mm |
Y stage travel distance | 40 mm |
Accuracy of X-Y stages | 5 micron ( UHR model) 10 micron (HR model) |
Modes of operation | Manual/Automated for multiple spots, Pattern for MS imaging |
Sample monitoring | CCD camera |
Interchangeability | Interchangeable with ESI, APCI and other sources within minutes |
Synchronization | Contact Closure cable |
Control software platform | Windows 7/8/10 |
Control Interface | Ethernet RJ-45 or USB |
Dimensions | 33cm(L)x17cm(H)x18cm(W) |
Weight | 6 kg |
Power | 95-240 VAC, 80 W |
Request a quote
Complete our Request a Quote form, and we will promptly prepare a tailored quote designed to meet your requirements. We’re here to support your purchase. Please submit your details, and we’ll respond with a tailored quote.
Alternatively, you can telephone us directly during business hours or drop us an email.