Patent ID: 6414306
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
Method for mass spectrometric analysis of analyte substances separated by thin-layer chromatography with ionization of the analyte molecules by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI), comprising the following steps:(a) providing a thin-layer chromatographic carrier plate either made from metal or with a electrically conductive layer under the chromatographic thin layer, with a contact area for the electrically conductive surface under the chromatographic layer, (b) separating the analyte substances by thin-layer chromatography on the carrier plate, (c) drying the thin-layer chromatographic carrier plate, (d) evenly soaking the chromatographic thin layer with matrix solution, (e) fast drying of the chromatographic thin layer, whereby the substance molecules are at least partially transported to the layer surface by the capillary stream of matrix solution generated by the superficial evaporation and are enclosed in tiny matrix substance crystals formed by the drying process, (f) introducing the thin-layer chromatographic carrier plate into the ion source of a mass spectrometer, (g) contacting the electrically conductive layer under the chromatographic thin layer with the acceleration potential for the ions to be formed, and (h) analyzing the substances by matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry.