Mass Spectrometric Method for Matrix-Free Laser Desorption/Ionization of Self-Assembled Monolayers

摘要

Disclosed is a method for carrying out matrix-free mass spectrometry, which includes subjecting an analyte sample containing a self-assembled monolayer on the surface of a substrate to laser desorption/ionization. The method for carrying out matrix-free mass spectrometry involves simple pretreatment of an analyte sample with a cationic solution without using any solid matrix to cause effective laser desorption/ionization of the analyte sample, and minimizes a biochemical and physiological change in the sample that may occur during the pretreatment of the sample. In addition, the method is applicable to quantitative analysis because it provides high reproducibility of the results by virtue of the uniform treatment with the cationic solution over the whole areas of the sample. Further, the method enables two-dimensional mapping analysis.