Using Mass Spectrometry to Characterize Self‐Assembled Monolayers Presenting Peptides, Proteins, and Carbohydrates

Peptide and carbohydrate biochips can be assayed with MALDI mass spectrometry. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that are modified with ligands provide a platform for identifying selective protein–ligand and enzyme–substrate interactions. MALDI provides a rapid and sensitive method for detection and avoids the need to label protein analytes with fluorescent or radioactive tags. The picture shows the mass spectrum of a SAM presenting a carbohydrate.