Carbon nanotubes as assisted matrix for laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Analysis of low molecular weight compounds with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) has been developed by using carbon nanotubes obtained from coal by arc discharge as the matrix. The carbon nanotube matrix functions as substrate to trap analytes of peptides, organic compounds, and beta-cyclodextrin deposited on its surface. It has been found that carbon nanotubes can transfer energy to the analyte under laser irradiation, which makes analytes well desorbed/ionized, and the interference of intrinsic matrix ions can be eliminated. At the same time, the fragmentation of the analyte can be avoided. A good sensitivity and excellent reproducibility of the spectrum signals are achieved. It is believed that this work not only will open a new field for applications of carbon nanotubes, but also will offer a new technique for high-speed analysis of low molecular weight compounds in areas such as metabolism research and characterization of natural products.
Xu
Songyun
S
National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116011, China.
Li
Yongfeng
Y
Zou
Hanfa
H
Qiu
Jieshan
J
Guo
Zhong
Z
Guo
Baochuan
B
D003505:Cyclodextrins / Q000737:chemistry; D007477:Ions; D008970:Molecular Weight; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins
D003505:Cyclodextrins; D007477:Ions; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D010455:Peptides; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins; C031215:betadex