Ink-jet Matrix Coating System for MALDI MS Imaging

描述（由申请人提供）：在该项目中，MicroFab将构建一个原型系统，该系统能够使用皮升体积（通过液滴的堆积获得纳升体积）将基质溶液沉积到组织切片上，具有高分辨率，用于MALDI MS成像。该系统在每个点沉积的基质量、基质在组织样品上的分布以及基质点间距和放置方面将是非常灵活的。该系统将提供将额外的基质溶液和/或溶剂和表面活性剂叠加到先前沉积的基质点上的能力，以改善从蛋白质样品中提取分析物。我们将优化基质解决方案的配方，以实现最可靠的微点胶，同时保持成像过程的功能。实际涂层过程将通过沉积到组织切片上进行验证，并通过MALDI-TOF MS进行评价。基质涂层平台是一种自动化工具，用于将基质溶液精确微沉积到组织样品上，以进行MALDI MS成像。离散矩阵点的阵列显著减少了组织切片表面上蛋白质的横向迁移，同时增加了单位面积的分析物提取，导致更高分辨率的蛋白质图像。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this project, MicroFab will build a prototype system capable of depositing matrix solutions onto the tissue sections with high resolution using picoliter volumes (nanoliter volumes via the accretion of drops) for the purposes of MALDI MS imaging. The system will be very flexible in terms of amount of matrix deposited per spot, distribution of the matrix on the tissue sample, and the matrix spot pitch and placement. The system will provide capability for overprinting additional matrix solution and/or solvents and surfactants onto previously deposited matrix spots to improve analyte extraction from the protein sample. We will optimize the formulation of the matrix solutions to achieve the most reliable microdispensing, while maintaining functionality for the imaging process. The actual coating process will be verified by deposition onto tissue sections with evaluation by MALDI-TOF MS. The matrix coating platform is an automated tool for the precise microdeposition of matrix solutions onto tissue samples for MALDI MS imaging. The array of discrete matrix spots significantly reduces the lateral migration of protein on the surface of the tissue section, while increasing the analyte extraction per area, resulting in a greater resolved protein image.