Analysis of Microarrays by MALDI-TOF MS

摘要

Mass analyzers are universal detectors with an exceptional sensitivity, dynamic range, and resolution. Their combination with microarrays could create a valuable tool for functional genomics, proteomics, and glycomics, to help with gene annotation, discovery of new enzyme functions or assign receptor specificities. Here we report on the development of a new microarray platform that allows analysis by fluorescence spectroscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) and optical microscopy without a change of the format. Ligand libraries are printed without previous tagging onto a noncovalent sandwich composed of activated bidentate lipids embedded in a hydrophobic layer conjugated to a indium-tin oxide (ITO) surface (Figure 1 a). These functionalized surfaces are transparent, conductive, resistant to repeated aqueous washing and provide the signal intensity required for the MS readout of micrometer-sized spots.