A solid sample preparation method that reduces signal suppression effects in the MALDI analysis of peptides

Here we report on the application of a solid-solid (SS) sample preparation protocol for the MALDI analysis of peptides and multicomponent peptide mixt ures. Our results with a series of model peptides indicate that a SS MALDI sample preparation protocol is useful for the analysis of peptides in the 1 -3 kDa mass range. MALDI mass spectra recorded for peptides in this size ra ng using a SS sample preparation were of a quality comparable to spectra re corded using a conventional dried-droplet (DD) sample preparation. Our resu lts with several model peptide mixtures indicate that one advantage of a SS sample preparation protocol for the MALDI analysis of peptides is that it can significantly reduce signal suppression effects in multicomponent mixtu res. MALDI results obtained using a SS sample preparation protocol are also more reproducible than results obtained using a conventional DD sample pre paration protocol.