Automatic acquisition of MALDI-TOF mass spectra

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry is an increas ingly valuable tool in proteome and genome research. By definition, this ki nd of research involves analyses of hundreds or thousands of samples, which can only be put into practice if the huge workload is transformed into aut omated tasks. The principles of automated acquisition of MALDI spectra are described and example spectra discussed.