Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), whereby the components of a sample separated by the column of a chromatographic separation device such as a liquid chromatograph or capillary electrophoresis are eluted and deposited on a sample support plate in a continuous track which both concentrates the sample components and preserves the fidelity of the separation. Analysis by MALDI is thus decoupled from the requirements of the separation and deposition and is performed by moving the continuous track relative to a focused laser beam in order to ionize the sample. The deposition capillary is in relative motion to the sample support plate with a speed of motion compatible with the liquid flow rate. In order to prevent the liquid sample from spreading across the sample support plate and to focus it to a pre-defined narrow region, the deposition of the sample is made along a hydrophilic anchor track of a well-defined width of less than 1 mm on the surface of the sample plate.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim