Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample preparation plate used to prepare a sample for mass spectrometry. In particular, a sample plate used to concentrate a sample as well as remove contaminants from the sample while providing easy manipulation of small liquid droplets on a surface with minimal sample loss.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and reagents for the assay, detection, quantification, location, or analysis of each of a plurality of substances of interest (“analytes”) in a sample in which each substance is labeled with a cationic triarylphosphonium group. The present invention also provides MALDI mass spectrometry techniques in which the analysis of samples containing low molecule weight analytes is not obscured by matrix components. The invention also provides labeling reagents for use in labeling analytes prior to MS analysis in which the labeled analytes have a molecular weight above the useful detection threshold of MALDI techniques. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of quantitative MS analysis of components of a sample. Methods of the present invention include sensitive techniques for desorption/ionization of molecules at the picomole, femtomole, and attomole amounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhancing chemical reactions of molecules, e.g., biomolecules, with destructible surfactants. The chemical reactions may involve and/or be associate with analysis, e.g., solubilizing, separating, purifying and/or characterizing the molecules. In one aspect, the anionic surfactants of the present invention may be selectively broken up at relatively low pH. The resulting breakdown products of the surfactants may be removed from the molecule/sample with relative ease. The invention has applicability in a variety of analytical techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample preparation plate used to prepare a sample for mass spectrometry. In particular, a sample plate used to concentrate a sample as well as remove contaminants from the sample while providing easy manipulation of small liquid droplets on a surface with minimal sample loss.