The application of semiconductor quantum dots for enhancing peptide desorption, improving peak resolution and sensitivity of detection in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry.
The interest in quantum dots (QD) and a number of reported life sciences applications increased dramatically over the last decade. The popularity of QDs stems from better photostability, higher extinction -co-efficients, and unique optical properties such as superior light absorption. Here we report methods for improving matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization desorption of crude tryptic protein digests by using CdSe/ZnS QDs. The addition of QDs to the matrix improves the signal-to-noise ratio, peak quality and increases the number of detected peptides and the overall sequence coverage.
School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK.
Julian
J
Bailes
Mikhail
M
Soloviev
D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D059748:Proteolysis; D045663:Quantum Dots; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*
D010455:Peptides