Advancements in MOF characterization for enhanced MALDI sensing

Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a powerful technique that improved the mass spectrometry (MS) characterization of biological molecules. However this technique requires the mixing of matrix compound with the analyte of interest. The matrix compound used in MALDI process is not universal and usually depends heavily on the nature of analyte of interest being analyzed. As such there are many matrices that are used and without knowing the nature of your analyte it will be hard to predict which matrix is optimal for the most effective MALDI-MS analysis. Moreover, a high energy laser exposure is needed to initiate the ionization process through a charge transfer process between the matrix and analyte molecules. Recent advancement in the metalorganic framework (MOF) field introduced desirable surfaces that can be modified for various applications. Such MOFs can be synthesized with porous solid, and could have regular or predicted geometry. This project is introducing a novel idea of utilizing a modified MALDI substrate with MOF that can provide charge transfer between immobilized functionalized groups and analyte molecules that mimic the solvation process when a solution matrix is used. Begin the abstract two lines below author names and addresses.