Critical Addition of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometer for the University of Waterloo Mass Spectrometry Facility

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Critical requirements for the successful mass spectrometric analysis of high molar mass (bio)materials/(bio)polymers are a high sensitivity and the ability to measure the molar mass accurately to > 100 kDa. The University of Waterloo Mass Spectrometry Facility (UWMSF) has state-of-the-art systems for the analysis of small molecules by electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, direct analysis in real time, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. However these capabilities cannot address demands to characterize nonvolatile and high molar mass materials resulting in many research programs being severely curtailed. We have investigated the usefulness of electrospray ionization (ESI) for these systems with very limited or no success. This critical deficiency can be addressed with the acquisition of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) instrument. No such equipment exists at the UW at present.