Description
This flow cell represents an improved interface for coupled protein interaction and mass spectrometry detection experiments. A novel flow cell for combining SPR with mass spectrometry (MS), is the matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) flow cell which carries removable, miniaturized sensing pins that can be inserted into MALDI target plates for mass spectrometric detection of analytes on the sensor surface. This is especially important in a ligand fishing experiment where the aim is to identify the molecule(s) captured on the sensor surface. After verifying binding of the unknown species with SPR, these removable pins can be inserted into a modified MALDI target, where the ligand can be directly analyzed or subjected to a digestive treatment. Combined with the application of new hydrogel sensor surfaces, this flow cell allows measurements of higher sensitivity and better reproducibility with SPR-MS.
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