title: General Method for MALDI-MS Analysis of Proteins and Peptides.
abstract: INTRODUCTIONFor MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of proteins and peptides, samples are cocrystallized with an excess of organic matrix that absorbs at a specific wavelength (usually, UV(337nm)). Typically, sinapinic acid (SA) is the matrix of choice for large proteins, whereas α-cyano-4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (HCCA) is the preferred matrix for peptide mapping. Following a short laser pulse, analytes are protonated and desorbed into the gas phase, and their m/z values are determined in a TOF mass analyzer. Mass accuracy determinations vary from ±0.01% to 0.1% depending on the sample preparation technique and the method used for mass calibration.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Frecklington