Static secondary ion mass spectrometry of adsorbed proteins

Abstract

Static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to analyze proteins adsorbed to biomaterial surfaces. A spectral interpretation protocol was established by examining homopolymers of 16 amino acids. This protocol allows for the assignment of peaks unique to the various amino acids. Static SIMS was used to analyze plasma proteins adsorbed to titanium. The various factors that contributed to the relative intensities observed in the spectra were explored. The potential application of the technique for studying protein-fouled materials was investigated by analyzing a fouled sensor membrane.