Prestructured MALDI-MS sample supports

Prestructured MALDI-MS sample supports have been developed that simplify hi gh-throughput analysis of biomolecules and improve the detection sensitivit y. The mass spectrometric sample support is coated with a thin layer of hyd rophobic Tenon that carries an array of 200-mu m gold spots, which provide hydrophilic sample anchors. Each transferred sample droplet contacts one an chor, on top of which, after solvent evaporation, the sample is exclusively deposited due to the strongly water repellent nature of the Tenon surface. The initial matrix concentration is kept low, enabling sample up-concentra tion by more than 2 orders of magnitudes before crystallization commences. As a result, the detection sensitivity is improved as documented by mass sp ectra recorded from 100 amol of various peptides, 1 fmol of a DNA 20 mer, a nd 5 fmol of a 130 bp PCR product. Size and spacing of the hydrophilic anch ors are optimized for MALDI-MS performance (sample spot size approximate to laser irradiation spot size), for short analysis times (predetermined samp le coordinates), and for high throughput sample preparation (sample anchor array according to the 1536 microtiter plate format).