MALDI-ToF MS Analysis Services
MALDI-ToF MS (Matrix assisted laser desorption/ ionization time of flight mass spectrometry) allows for rapid protein identification through peptide mass fingerprinting
It is often used as an analytical tool to identify trace amounts of proteins. When combined with protein/peptide sequence data through N-terminal sequencing, an accurate database search can be carried out.
MALDI-ToF can be used in 3 different modes generating different information and which service is used will depend on the aim of the analysis.
- Molecular Weight Determination - The molecular weight of a full length protein or peptide can be determined to within 2Da.
- Peptide Mass Fingerprinting (PMF) - The protein of interest is subjected to an enzymatic digestion (generally trypsin) to generate peptides that form a characteristic mass spectra (or fingerprint) when run through the MALDI-ToF. This fingerprint is used to search a PMF database to identify the protein.
- CAF Sequencing - Chemically Assisted Fragmentation of a peptide is used to yield sequence information from peptides if PMF fails to find an appropriate identification.
Each MALDI-ToF service includes sample preparation by tryptic digestion (if required), sample processing, database search and generation of a report. Extra charges may apply for the use of zip tips in sample preparation if required.