MALDI Gold Nanoparticle Matrix
Gold Nanoparticle (GNP) MALDI matrix is a class of materials that have been developed and optimized for molecular identification using MALDI mass spectrometry. These GNP matrices have a number of advantages over the commonly used organic acid matrices including reduced interference with matrix fragments, a 1000-fold decrease in the amount of matrix required, and the promotion of the desorption and ionization of small molecule compounds that are not typically detected using traditional organic matrices. The lack of interfering matrix fragments from GNPs makes them well suited for the analysis of biomolecules such as lipids, sugars, and pharmaceuticals.
Our standard MALDI products are available at 1-2 mL. For larger volumes please contact us.
Application Notes
NanoComposix GNP MALDI Matrix is different from the standard organic matrices and must be used appropriately to obtain quality results. A higher laser power (generally ~50% higher than organic matrices) is typically required to obtain sufficient signal. On average, 5-15 laser shots can be used with a single laser position before the gold matrix is depleted.
The GNP Matrix is supplied in water and can be mixed directly with an analyte of interest. We recommend mixing at a ratio of roughly 10:1 volume GNP Matrix to volume analyte. The final concentration of analyte that yields good signal typically ranges between 5-150 pmol/μL.
For tissue imaging applications, a variety of methods have been used for applying gold matrices to a sample (air brush, Bruker ImagePrep, Shimadzu CHIP, etc.). For these applications, the GNP Matrix can be diluted up to 4x with ethanol immediately prior to use to facilitate more rapid drying of the GNP Matrix onto the tissue surface. Jackson et al.1 have used gold nanoparticle matrices for tissue imaging of lipids from brain sections.
NOTES
- Store GNP MALDI Matrix at 4°C and away from light (do not freeze).
- GNP MALDI Matrix should not be stored in any solvent other than water.
- If the brownish-red matrix changes to a purple color or has precipitates, the nanoparticles have aggregated and the matrix should be discarded.
- Please see our MSDS and storage and handling documents for additional information.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0848998. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.