Patent ID: 6723564
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: B01J,C12Q,H01J,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for performing matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) of a nucleic acid and analysis by mass spectrometry, comprising the steps of:(a) depositing a solution containing the nucleic acid and a liquid matrix on a substrate to form a homogeneous, thin layer of a nucleic acid/liquid matrix solution, wherein: the liquid matrix comprises glycerol, 1,2- or 1,3- propane diol, 1,2-, 1,3-or 1,4- butane diol and triethanolamine; (b) illuminating the substrate with infrared radiation, whereby the nucleic acid in the solution is desorbed and ionized; and (c) determining the mass of the nucleic acid by a mass spectrometric format for separation and detection of desorbed and ionized molecules, wherein the mass of the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 90 kD and the accuracy for determining the mass of the nucleic acid is within about 1%.