Porous polymer monolith for surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of small molecules.

Porous poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate), poly(benzyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate), and poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) monoliths have been prepared on the top of standard sample plates used for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and the modified plates were used for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). The hydrophobic porous surface of these monoliths enables the transfer of sufficient energy to the analyte to induce desorption and ionization prior to TOFMS analysis. Both UV and thermally initiated polymerization using a mask or circular openings in a thin gasket have been used to define spot locations matching those of the MALDI plates. The desorption/ionization ability of the monolithic materials depends on the applied laser power, the solvent used for sample preparation, and the pore size of the monoliths. The monolithic matrices are very stable and can be used even after long storage times in a typical laboratory environment without observing any deterioration of their properties. The performance of the monolithic material is demonstrated with the mass analysis of several small molecules including drugs, explosives, and acid labile compounds. The macroporous spots also enable the archiving of samples. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.