Abstract: MALDI sample holders and methods of using and making the same are provided. The MALDI sample holders are configured for use in matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization and include a planar substrate having a surface and at least one fluid retaining structure present on the surface. The fluid retaining structure includes a material that changes from a first fluid state to a second solid state in response to a stimulus. Also provided are methods of using the subject MALDI sample holders in a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization protocol, as well as methods of producing the subject MALDI sample holders. Kits for use in practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer system. The mass spectrometer system, comprises a irradiating source for ionizing a matrix based sample, a target substrate adjacent to the irradiating source for supporting the matrix based sample, the target substrate having a target surface comprising a hydrophobic material for concentrating the matrix based sample on the target surface before it is ionized to analyte ions that are discharged to the ionization region. A collecting capillary is downstream from the irradiating source for receiving the analyte ions produced and discharged from the target substrate to the ionization region. A detector is also downstream from the collecting capillary for detecting the analyte ions received from the collecting capillary.

Abstract: MALDI sample holders and methods of using and making the same are provided. The MALDI sample holders are configured for use in matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization and include a planar substrate having a surface and at least one fluid retaining structure present on the surface. The fluid retaining structure includes a material that changes from a first fluid state to a second solid state in response to a stimulus. Also provided are methods of using the subject MALDI sample holders in a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization protocol, as well as methods of producing the subject MALDI sample holders. Kits for use in practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure MALDI (AP-MALDI) apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a laser beam is reflected from a surface on an ion transfer interface between an analyte target and a mass analyzer. After reflection, the laser beam irradiates the target, which may be disposed on a target substrate. An embodiment includes using a reflective surface on the interface also for viewing the target and, e.g., by means of signals from a processor, adjusting the relative position of the target substrate and the laser beam. The apparatus can also be operated at pressures that are less than or greater than atmospheric.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure MALDI (AP-MALDI) apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a laser beam is reflected from a surface on an ion transfer interface between an analyte target and a mass analyzer. After reflection, the laser beam irradiates the target, which may be disposed on a target substrate. An embodiment includes using a reflective surface on the interface also for viewing the target and, e.g., by means of signals from a processor, adjusting the relative position of the target substrate and the laser beam. The apparatus can also be operated at pressures that are less than or greater than atmospheric.

Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a manifold having a plurality of nozzles, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the manifold and a counter electrode having a potential difference between the counter electrode and the nozzles to enable liquid to be ejected from the nozzles in droplets and to enable ions to be ejected from the droplets.

Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid and a channel having a first end opening into the reservoir. A nozzle element adjacent a second end of the channel includes a plurality of tips for producing individual droplets from the liquid. The plurality of tips reduces the likelihood that individual droplets will coalesce, increases the overall flow of material or analyte to the mass spectrometer and provides a level of redundancy in the delivery of liquid for producing droplets. The tips also may produce a higher current output and greater signal from the system, as well. With micro-miniaturization, the individual droplets are relatively small, thereby increasing the likelihood that ions would be ejected from the droplet surfaces under the influence of an electric field. Multiple nozzle elements can be used to more selectively deliver fluid droplets to the analyzer, or to increase the overall flow rate of droplets from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The ion production and enhancement system of the present invention is used to enhance analyte ions for ease of detection in a mass spectrometer. The method of the invention comprises producing and enhancing analyte ions with an ion production and enhancement system and detecting the enhanced analyte ions with a detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The ion enhancement system of the present invention is used to direct a heated gas toward ions produced by a matrix based ion source and detected by a detector. The ion enhancement system is interposed between the ion source and the detector. The analyte ions that contact the heated gas are enhanced and an increased number of ions are more easily detected by a detector. The method of the invention comprises producing analyte ions from a matrix based ion source, enhancing the analyte ions with an ion enhancement system and detecting the enhanced analyte ions with a detector.

Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid and a channel having a first end opening into the reservoir. A nozzle element adjacent a second end of the channel includes a plurality of tips for producing individual droplets from the liquid. The plurality of tips reduces the likelihood that individual droplets will coalesce, increases the overall flow of material or analyte to the mass spectrometer and provides a level of redundancy in the delivery of liquid for producing droplets. The tips also may produce a higher current output and greater signal from the system, as well. With micro-miniaturization, the individual droplets are relatively small, thereby increasing the likelihood that ions would be ejected from the droplet surfaces under the influence of an electric field. Multiple nozzle elements can be used to more selectively deliver fluid droplets to the analyzer, or to increase the overall flow rate of droplets from the reservoir.

Abstract: A capillary-direct interface, suitable for connecting a gas chromatograph to a mass spectrometer, having a flow restrictor that is to be mounted at the entrance to the ionization chamber of the mass spectrometer to prevent damage to the mass spectrometer if the column of the gas chromatograph is removed from the mass spectrometer or breaks inside the interface. A preferred flow restrictor includes a hollow tube, the middle of which is connected to an exhaust port to enable a vacuum pump to remove gas from the middle of the tube. The hollow tube is enclosed by a high thermal conductivity tube that is thermally connected to a heat source to control the temperature of the hollow tube. A capillary GC column can be inserted entirely through the hollow tube into the ionization chamber to produce a capillary direct mode of coupling.