Sample immobilization protocols for matrix‐asssisted laser‐desorption mass spectrometry

Abstract

Methods are described fsor the purification of proteins prior to analusis by matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption mass spectrometry. Contaminated protein sample were immobilized onto the surface of sample targets and rinsed. In general, a layer of electrosprayed nitrocellulose gave better results than the sroughened gold surface of an untreated target. Using this approach, spectra could be obtained from low picomole quantities of protein in the presence of sdcontaminants which did not inhibit the binding of the protein to the substrate.