Abstract: An ion source includes a plasma generator for supplying plasma at an ionization region proximate to a sample surface. The plasma generator applies energy that may be utilized for desorbing analytes from the sample surface as well as for generating plasma by which analytes are excited or ionized. Desorption and ionization/excitation may be controlled as individual modes. The ion source may be interfaced with an ion-based or optical-based spectrometer. A sample support may be provided, which may be capable of performing analytical separation.

Abstract: An ion source includes a plasma generator for supplying plasma at an ionization region proximate to a sample surface. The plasma generator applies energy that may be utilized for desorbing analytes from the sample surface as well as for generating plasma by which analytes are excited or ionized. Desorption and ionization/excitation may be controlled as individual modes. The ion source may be interfaced with an ion-based or optical-based spectrometer. A sample support may be provided, which may be capable of performing analytical separation.

Abstract: A device includes a first substrate having a principal surface having a plurality of sample sites having a corresponding sample; a second substrate having a principal surface facing and spaced apart from the principal surface of the first substrate, the second substrate having a plurality of ultraviolet emission sites corresponding to the sample sites of the first substrate, each of the ultraviolet emission sites being spaced apart from and facing a corresponding one of the sample sites of the first substrate, each of the ultraviolet emission sites being configured to emit ultraviolet light to a corresponding one of the sample sites on the first substrate, and to ionize at least a portion of a sample provided at each sample site; and an ion extraction device configured to extract ions from a gap between the first substrate and the structure.

Abstract: A device includes a first substrate having a principal surface having a plurality of sample sites having a corresponding sample; a second substrate having a principal surface facing and spaced apart from the principal surface of the first substrate, the second substrate having a plurality of ultraviolet emission sites corresponding to the sample sites of the first substrate, each of the ultraviolet emission sites being spaced apart from and facing a corresponding one of the sample sites of the first substrate, each of the ultraviolet emission sites being configured to emit ultraviolet light to a corresponding one of the sample sites on the first substrate, and to ionize at least a portion of a sample provided at each sample site; and an ion extraction device configured to extract ions from a gap between the first substrate and the structure.

Abstract: An illumination method and device has a micro-wave powered plasma source contained by a windowless plasma containment structure. When incorporated as a photo-ionization device in an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), the resolution of the spectrometer may be improved by operation at higher pressures and through selective ionization of elements and compounds. A gas flows into a discharge gap of a micro-wave ring resonator, but is restricted from flowing away by the windowless containment structure. When microwave power is supplied, the discharge gap is energized and a plasma initiated and sustained. Photons emitted by the plasma photo-ionize a sample gas. As the containment structure is windowless, the wavelength of the emitted radiation depends on the plasma-forming gas, not on the transmission characteristics of a window material. The range of substances in the sample that are ionized may be influenced by selecting the plasma-forming gas.

Abstract: A device and a method for identifying metalloproteins are disclosed. The device includes a first separation device for separating sample molecules according to their retention times, a first ionization device for ionizing the separated molecules into molecular ions, a second separation device for separating the molecular ions by their size-to-charge ratio, a second ionization device for atomizing the molecular ions and creating atomic ions of interest, and a mass spectrometer for separating and identifying both the molecular ions and the atomic ions by their mass-to-charge ratios. A method includes separating sample molecules according to their retention time, ionizing the separated molecules to form molecular ions, separating the molecular ions according to their size-to-charge ratio, atomizing and ionizing a portion of the molecular ions and identifying the atomic and molecular ions by their mass-to-charge ratio.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer using a variable energy photoionization device for ionizing and/or cleaving molecules is disclosed. The device permits ionizing photon wavelengths to be selected from a range of wavelengths allowing the ionizing photon energies to be tuned so as to ionize molecules without excessive fragmentation or to cleave molecules in a controlled manner by breaking only certain molecular bonds. Selection of the wavelengths is afforded by the choice of a plasma-forming gas combined with windowlessly radiating the ionizing photons from a plasma chamber. A method of mass spectrometry featuring selected ionizing photon wavelengths is also disclosed.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include mass spectrometry systems and methods of performing molecular mass spectrometry and elemental mass spectrometry using a single mass spectrometry system.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include mass spectrometry systems and methods of performing molecular mass spectrometry and elemental mass spectrometry using a single mass spectrometry system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of evaluating a sample for ceruloplasmin. The method includes contacting the sample with a multiple immunoaffinity removal medium to result in an unbound fraction which includes the ceruloplasmin. The unbound fraction is subjected to a separation method to provide an aliquot which includes purified ceruloplasmin. The aliquot is then analyzed using ICP-MS to provide a copper ion specific signal; and the sample is evaluated for ceruloplasmin based on the copper ion specific signal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of analyzing a sample. In general, the methods involve: a) depositing sub-fractions of a multi-dimensionally fractionated sample into wells of a multi-well substrate; b) contacting each of the deposited sub-fractions with an array to produce a set of sub-fraction-contacted arrays; and c) interrogating the sub-fraction-contacted arrays to identify a sub-fraction containing a post-translationally modified analyte. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of analyzing a sample. In general, the methods involve multi-dimensionally fractionating a sample to produce a set of sub-fractions, identifying a sub-fraction of interest by evaluating binding of a first portion of the sub-fractions to a binding agent; and analyzing the mass of analytes in a second portion of the sub-fraction of interest. Also provided is a system for performing the subject methods. The invention finds use in a variety of different medical, research and proteomics applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of evaluating a feature on a polypeptide array. In general, the method involves reading a polypeptide array under intrinsic fluorescence-detecting conditions to produce data and assessing the data to evaluate the the feature. The invention finds use in a variety of medical and research applications.

Abstract: An affinity-based analyte separation method of assaying a sample for a WDR11 protein. The method can be coupled to a variety of detection methods, including detection of an observable label or detection using mass spectrometry. The methods may be applied to assessing cancerous cells.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a sample by MALDI-mass spectrometry are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing a sample for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI). In general, the methods involve: binding analytes in a sample to capture agents that are bound to matrix that is present in a plurality of wells of a multi-well sample plate, washing any unbound analytes from the matrix, cleaving any bound analyte/capture agent complexes with a MALDI cleavage agent, and depositing the cleavage products on a multi-sample MALDI sample plate. Kits and other compositions are provided for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in methods of simultaneously assessing the presence of several analytes in a single sample, and, as such, the invention finds use in a variety of different medical, research and proteomics applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing a MALDI sample plate. In general, the methods involve contacting a sample with an array of features containing capture agents that specifically bind to analytes, processing any analytes bound to the capture agents for MALDI analysis, and transferring the processed analytes to a MALDI sample plate. Also provided is a system for preparing a MALDI sample plate, containing an automatic fluid delivery device that is fluidically connected to a sample, and also to MALDI processing agents. In certain embodiments, the analytes present on the prepared subject MALDI sample plate may be evaluated by mass spectrometry. Kits and other compositions are provided for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in methods of simultaneously assessing the presence of several analytes in a single sample, and, as such, the invention finds use in a variety of different medical, research and proteomics applications.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional chemical-analysis system includes a longitudinally extending iso-electric focusing (IEF) channel and transversely extending high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) channels. Piezo-electric pumps force sample fluid from the IEF channel to form jets as it exits through respective pump nozzles. The jets then enter the HPLC channels for parallel second-dimension separations. Alternatively, the jets can be used to “print” sample onto a moving medium to provide a two-dimensional time-vs.-band-position distribution of sample components.

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: Methods and devices for performing matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization protocols are provided. In accordance with the subject methods, an analyte is first deposited into a fluid retaining structure present on a substrate surface. The fluid retaining structure includes a material that changes from a first fluid state to a second solid state in response to an applied stimulus. The resultant retained analyte is then digested with an analyte-digesting reagent to produce fragments of the analyte. The resultant fragments are then ionized for subsequent mass spectrometry analysis. Also provided are devices, e.g., sample holders, suitable for use in the subject methods. Kits for use in the subject methods are also provided.