Agilent Technologies introduces second-generation MALDI source for fast, reliable protein identification
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced its second-generation source for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), a popular technique for protein identification. The Agilent MALDI pulsed dynamic focusing (PDF) source incorporates highly efficient ion focusing technology; a larger, more rugged source body; and upgraded imaging optics for easier target spot selection.
The PDF source, originally designed by MassTech Inc., Columbia, Md., is compatible with the Agilent 1100 Series time of flight (TOF) and ion trap MS systems. When combined with ion trap MS, it offers the speed and ease of MALDI with MS/MS capabilities for faster, more accurate spectral database matching. This combination provides high-quality MALDI MS/MS data at half the cost of other hybrid systems, such as quadrupole TOF and TOF/TOF.
PDF is a new ion transmission process that operates by pulsing the electric field within the source to zero after vaporization/ionization of the sample. This process directs more sample ions from the MALDI target plate into the mass spectrometer, which improves the reliability and sensitivity of the MS analysis.
The source body opens and closes using a sliding mechanism rather than the hinge mechanism of its predecessor. This rugged design helps ensure repeatable alignment of the laser when replacing target plates or switching between electrospray ionization and MALDI MS sources. The source body has also been enlarged to accommodate Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX’s 10 x 10 MALDI plates.
A camera inside the source allows the user to view the target-plate motion and sample vaporization on a computer monitor. Improvements in the camera optics give a significantly clearer, wider view of the target plate and spot. The source also incorporates a more precise XY target-plate positioning mechanism. Once the user pre-selects a target spot by aligning the laser at the spot’s center, analysis of the other spots on the plate can proceed without further intervention.
The Agilent MALDI PDF source is available now.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2003. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com .
