Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for automated sample preparation for MALDI-TOF MS using columns in combination with a liquid handling system. The samples are typically biological such as serum or urine. The columns typically include a bed of media positioned within a modified pipette tip. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for storing the prepared samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a target for a laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometer, comprising a substrate that is at least partially coated with a carbon-containing layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of diamond, amorphous carbon, DLC (diamond-like carbon), graphite, nanotubes, nanowires, fullerenes and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A base body contains a substrate that is at least partially coated with a carbon-containing layer. The carbon-containing layer is at least partially functionalized with a molecule that is bound directly or via at least one linker or functional group to the carbon-containing layer. The base body, which has a functionalized carbon-containing surface, is capable of influencing biological processes during a corresponding functionalization.

Abstract: A method for classifying beverages of natural origin, such as wine or coffee. Classification is carried out by means of NIR spectroscopy and corresponding numerical-mathematical conditioning of the spectral data of the individual beverage samples, wherein respective obtained spectra are then correlated with a predetermined beverage, class. By means of the method of the invention it is possible to classify wines by sort of wine, growing regions, grape, vine, vintage, kind of material or wood of the wine cask used, and varying degree of maturity of the wine, and by other chemical parameters. Coffee, for example, may be classified by coffee sort, country of origin, coffee growing region, roasting method and defined chemical parameters, e.g., caffeine content, or chlorogenic acid content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for classifying beverages of natural origin such as wine or coffee. Classification is carried out by means of NIR spectroscopy and corresponding numerical-mathematical conditioning of the spectral data of the individual beverage samples, wherein respective obtained spectra are then correlated with a predetermined beverage class. By means of the method of the invention it is possible to classify wines by sort of wine, growing regions, grape, vine, vintage, kind of material or wood of the wine cask used, and varying degree of maturity of the wine, and by other chemical parameters. Coffee, for example, may be classified by coffee sort, country of origin, coffee growing region, roasting method and defined chemical parameters, e.g., caffeine content, or chlorogenic acid content.