Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry · 1994 · 101 citations · 12 references
Life SciencesBiochemistryPharmaceutical AnalysisAnalytical ChemistryMass Spectrometric AnalysisProteomicsMass SpectrometryMass Spectrometry-based ProteomicsPeptide AnalysisPeptide IdentificationProtein AnalysisProtein QuantificationAnalytical Detection LimitsDetection Limit AssessmentDetection Limit EstimationInstrument Detection LimitMatrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionizationMethod Detection LimitPeptide Mass SpectrometryProtein Mass Spectrometry
Abstract Significant improvements in the absolute detection limits for proteins in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) are demonstrated by the application of so‐called picolitre vials. By the reduction of the sample volume from a few μL down to 250 pL and simultaneous reduction of the sample spot area from a few mm 2 down to 0.01 mm 2 , low attomole detection limits are obtained for bradykinin and cytochrome c . The detection limit in a single‐shot mass spectrum of bradykinin is estimated to be as low as 250 zeptomol. These are currently the lowest amounts of protein and the smallest volumes analyzed by MALDI‐MS.
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