Analysis of DNA Fragments from Conventional and Microfabricated PCR Devices Using Delayed Extraction MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product analysis using rapid affinity capture followed by delayed extraction (DE) MALDI-TOFMS is presented. Such applications include multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) typing, which is demonstrated for STR systems from conventional and microchip-based thermal cycling instruments. Using the combination of the microfabricated PCR instrument and DE-MALDI-TOFMS, a complete genotyping assay can be performed in under 50 min with a resultant molecular weight accuracy approaching or exceeding 100 ppm through external calibration. The observed resolution and mass accuracy for a 69-base PCR product enables identification of single base substitutions by direct molecular weight determination.