title: Desorption/ionization on silicon for small molecules:a promising alternative to MALDI TOF.
abstract: A method has been developed for laser desorption/ionization of catecholamines from porous silicon. This methodology is particularly attractive for analysis of small molecules. MALDI TOF mass spectrometry, although a very sensitive technique, utilizes matrices that need to be mixed with the sample prior to their analysis. Each matrix produces its own background, particularly in the low-molecular mass region. Therefore, detection and identification of molecules below 400 Da can be difficult. Desorption/ionization of samples deposited on porous silicon does not require addition of a matrix, thus, spectra in the low-molecular mass region can be clearly readable. Here, we describe a method for the analysis of catecholamines. While MALDI TOF is superior for proteomics/peptidomics, desorption/ionization from porous silicon can extend the operating range of a mass spectrometer for studies on metabolomics (small organic molecules and their metabolites, such as chemical neurotransmitters, prostaglandins, steroids, etc.).
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000737:chemistry*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry*; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D002395:Catecholamines; D012825:Silicon