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Title: A Combination MAI and MALDI Vacuum Source Operational from Atmospheric Pressure for Fast, Robust, and Sensitive Analyses
Previously, vacuum matrix-assisted ionization (vMAI) was employed with matrix:analyte sample introduction into the vacuum of the mass spectrometer on a probe sample introduction device. Low attomole detection was achieved while no carryover was observed even for concentrated samples. Here, we report a new vacuum ionization source designed to duplicate the sensitivity and robustness of probe device while providing fast multi-sample introduction to vacuum and rapid sequential ionization. Exposure of a sample to the vacuum of the mass spectrometer provides spontaneous ionization of volatile as well as nonvolatile analytes without the need of external energy input. However, the novel source design described herein, in addition to vMAI, can employ a laser to obtain vacuum matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (vMALDI). In particular, ionization by vMAI or vMALDI is achieved by using the appropriate matrix. Switching between ionization modes is accomplished in a few seconds. We present results demonstrating the utility of the two ionization methods in combination to improve molecular analyses of sample composition. In both ionization modes, multiple samples can be sequentially and rapidly acquired to increase throughput in MS. With the prototype source, samples were acquired in as little as 1 second per sample. Exchanging multi-sample plates can be accomplished in as little as 2 seconds suggesting low-cost high throughput automation when properly developed.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1913787
NSF-PAR ID:
10202779
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
ISSN:
1044-0305
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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