Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption ionization Time of flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF N)
Mass spectrometry is an analytical method in which materials are ionized into charged molecules and the mass-to-charge (m/z) proportion of those molecules is determined. The ion source in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), and the mass analyzer is a time-of-flight (TOF) analyzer.
Principle of MALDI:
The analyte is immersed in such a substantial quantity of a matrix compound that has been coated on a flat substrate known as a target, which is typically constructed of a conducting metal and has places for multiple distinct samples to be applied. The bombarded spot is quickly burned and vibrational stimulated after a very brief laser pulse.
The matrix molecules are energetically ablated from the sample’s surface, absorb laser energy, and transport the analyte molecules into the gas phase as well. The analyte molecules are frequently ionized during the ablation process by being protonated or neutralized with the surrounding matrix molecules. Analyte molecules with a single positive charge are the most prevalent MALDI ionization format.
