MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of droplets prepared in an electrodynamic balance: "wall-less" sample preparation.

Methodology enabling mass spectral analysis of the composition of droplet(s) prepared in an electrodynamic balance (EDB) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is described. The dc field surrounding the electrodynamic balance was manipulated to eject single droplets at a time from the EDB thereby causing their deposition onto a MALDI sample plate precoated with matrix. When the laser was directed onto the droplet(s) and held stationary, marked gains in the signal-to-noise and signal-to-background ratios were realized with each subsequent mass spectrum due to the suppression of matrix cluster ion formation. Optical microscopy of the plate, after 1024 laser shots were fired at eight droplets that had been deposited one on top of the other, revealed a residual island of droplet matter (area approximately 3.1 x 10(-9) m2) inside the region where the crystalline matrix had been ablated away within the laser spot (area approximately 1.6 x 10(-8) m2). Removing the predried crystalline matrix layer and, instead, adding matrix into the starting solution was found to be a more effective means of suppressing matrix cluster ion formation. The chemical composition of the droplet(s) prepared in the EDB is discussed with regard to sample preconcentration, the images of the laser spot after MALDI, matrix cluster ion suppression, and the possibility for improved quantitation and detection limits by MALDI-TOF-MS.