Sample Preparation for MALDI-Mass Spectrometry
The application of MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) mass spectrometry has undergone a major change in recent years. While in the past the application was mainly in proteomics, imaging mass spectrometry (MS Imaging) has significantly expanded the field. The goal of MALDI-MS-Imaging is to obtain spatially resolved information on a wide range of analytes in very different materials. Especially tissue sections are investigated. MALDI-MS-Imaging technology can be used to study the distribution of proteins, peptides, active pharmaceutical ingredients and their metabolites, biomarkers and other chemical substances in tissues of animal or plant origin.
Sample preparation plays a crucial role in the MALDI Imaging process. The application of the matrix is essential. The applied matrix solution has two major tasks: Firstly, analyte molecules are to be extracted from the tissue to be examined and incorporated into the matrix crystals. On the other hand the matrix must ionize the analyte molecules during the MALDI process.
We are specialized in sample preparation devices for MALDI mass spectrometry. Since 2003 we develop, produce and optimize automated sample preparation for MALDI-MS and MALDI-MS Imaging. More details about our instruments can be found on the following pages.
Benefit from our many years of expertise!
SunCollect
The SunCollect sample preparation device unifies four discrete instruments in one single unit: SunCollect can be utilized for
- MALDI-Spotting
- Micro and Nano fraction collection
- Continuous eluate and matrix deposition
- Spraying of matrix and enzyme solutions
SunCollect is a compact unit that requires only a small amount of space and is completely biocompatible, since all samples and collected fractions are in contact only with PEEK and quartz.
SunCollect MALDI Sprayer for MALDI Imaging
The SunCollect MALDI Sprayer is a state of the art sample preparation device for MALDI-MS Imaging. The pneumatic sprayer uses a unique spray procedure that results in finest MALDI matrix crystals in the nanometer range.
The sprayer can handle fresh-frozen as well as FFPE tissue sections. Enzymes such as trypsin or PNGase F can be applied to the tissue for in situ digestion.
In addition, the very fine and homogeneous spray process can also be used to spray biologics and derivatization reagents highly efficiently and economically.
SunCollect CF-Spotter for MALDI-TOF Microbial Identification
The SunCollect “Contact Free” (CF)-Spotter is designed to support your MALDITOF workflow for microbial and other species identification by MALDI-TOF MS.
The SunCollect CF-Spotter enables a fast, efficient and reproducible sample preparation for your MALDI-TOF analysis and relieves your laboratory staff from tedious and time-consuming pipetting.
SunDigest
SunDigest is a fully automated and software controlled high performance incubation chamber, specially designed for enzymatic reactions on and in tissue sections. The cleavage of proteins by trypsin and the cleavage of oligosaccharides from glycoproteins and glycopeptides are currently the major applications of the device. The SunDigest incubation chamber allows controlled incubation conditions, fast performance and high reproducibility of results.
SunTissuePrep
SunTissuePrep is a benchtop instrument that automates all tissue section preparation steps prior to the application of matrix or enzyme solution. The device thus relieves the user of the tedious and tiring work of many small washing and staining reactions and ensures problem-free and reproducible sample preparation. SunTissuePrep is designed to perform several individual staining and washing steps as well as the heat induced antigen retrieval (HIER) step.
