Bringing LC to MALDI Technology LC/MS/MS is often regarded as the technique of choice in identifying components from complex mixtures; however, it is not without its limitations. An alternative approach is to consider LC/MALDI.
LC/MALDI has a number of advantages in that the LC is decoupled from the MALDI mass spectrometer.
MALDI can support:
A higher data acquisition at the top of the eluting peak (owing to the fact that the peak can be spread over several spots) allows a precise selection of precursor ions for MS/MS analysis.
Sample archiving (the MALDI plate can be stored and used to further validate protein identification if required)
Uncompromised sensitivity (LC/MALDI analysis can focus solely on the peak apex) Increased depth of coverage of the sample and enhanced sequence coverage for the detected proteins.
The AccuSpot was designed for online collection of fractions eluting from Capillary/Nano LC.
Supports micro-fractionation on Shimadzu MALDI-TOF/MS targets, for 96 or 384 well, and ABI format MALDI plates.
Multiple plates can be spotted continuously. The plate changer allows a maximum of 9 Shimadzu (MTP format) or 18 ABI plates to be spotted without stopping.
Matrix solution is added automatically. Depending on the application, matrix solution can be mixed with the column eluent via a "T" prior to the probe or at the probe tip through a 3 duct system. The third duct is used for rinsing the probe tip.
Easy to use software gives the user total control over the spotting operation from setting matrix flow rate to spotting pattern to report generation.
The system includes a CCD camera as a standard accessory, so the actual spotting activity and status