Continuous flow infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with a solvent matrix

Continuous flow matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) was demonstrated with infrared laser desorption and an ethanol matrix. A capillary was used to deliver an analyte solution dissolved in ethanol to a metal frit embedded in a sample stage. Typical flow rates were 1.7L/min. An optical parametric oscillator tuned to 2.8m was used for desorption and ionization, and mass analysis was achieved with a 1 m linear time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Flow injection studies were performed with low picomolar quantities of insulin and myoglobin in solutions containing 0.1 to 1.0% glycerol in ethanol.