High-Purity MALDI Matrices for Enhanced Ionization

The selection of a high-purity matrix is technically vital for the successful desorption and ionization of samples. Shimadzu provides a range of matrices tailored for specific molecular weights and polarities. These chemicals are refined to remove impurities that could cause background interference or suppress the ionization of target analytes. Technically, the uniform particle size and high purity of these matrices facilitate the formation of a homogeneous crystalline layer on the sample target, ensuring stable signal intensity during laser ablation.

Specialized Calibration Standards for Mass Accuracy

To maintain the highest levels of mass accuracy, specialized calibration standards are required. These consumables consist of precisely defined mixtures of peptides, proteins, or small molecules that provide known reference points across the entire mass range. Technically, these standards allow the software to perform precise mass-to-charge (m/z) calibrations, correcting for any minor drift in the Time-of-Flight analyzer and ensuring that the final data meets the strict requirements for compound identification.

Disposable and Reusable Sample Target Slides

Shimadzu offers a variety of sample target formats, including disposable slides and high-precision reusable metal targets. Technically, the disposable slides eliminate the risk of sample-to-sample carryover and reduce the laboratory's cleaning burden, which is essential in clinical microbiology. In contrast, reusable targets are engineered with extremely flat surfaces to maintain a consistent flight path distance for the ions, maximizing mass resolution and reproducibility in research-grade applications.

Pre-Spotted Targets for Microbial Identification

For streamlined workflows in microbiology, pre-spotted sample targets are available. These slides come pre-loaded with a standardized matrix or calibration spots, technically reducing the manual preparation steps required by the analyst. This ensures a highly consistent concentration of matrix across every sample spot, which is critical for the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria and fungi through ribosomal protein fingerprinting in high-throughput diagnostic environments.

Hydrophobic Well Coatings for Sample Concentration

Certain sample slides feature specialized hydrophobic coatings that surround the sample spots. Technically, this "anchor" effect forces the liquid sample to stay within a defined area as it dries, effectively concentrating the analytes into a smaller spot. This results in higher local concentrations and improved sensitivity, allowing for the detection of trace-level components that might otherwise be lost if the sample were allowed to spread across a non-treated surface.

ITO-Coated Glass Slides for Tissue Imaging

Imaging mass spectrometry requires specialized Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass slides. Technically, these slides are both optically transparent and electrically conductive. The transparency allows for the capture of high-resolution microscopic images of the tissue section, while the conductivity prevents the buildup of electrostatic charge during the MALDI process. This dual-purpose design is essential for accurate spatial mapping of molecules within biological tissues.

Specialized Reagents for On-Target Digestion

To facilitate the analysis of large proteins, Shimadzu provides consumables for on-target sample processing, such as enzyme reagents for protein digestion. Technically, these reagents allow for the breakdown of proteins into constituent peptides directly on the MALDI plate. This process minimizes sample loss that typically occurs during traditional vial-based digestion and ensures that the resulting peptide mass fingerprints are of the highest quality for protein identification.

Precision Sample Prep Tools and Holders

Beyond reagents and slides, the consumables range includes precision sample preparation tools and target holders. These accessories are technically designed to ensure that sample slides are securely and accurately positioned within the mass spectrometer's ion source. High-precision holders prevent any micro-movements or tilting of the slide, ensuring that the laser focus remains constant across the entire target area, which is vital for maintaining spectral quality in automated, unattended runs.

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