Moving Forward Real-Time Proteomics Mass Spectrometry by Remote Infrared Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Novel development makes remote real-time analysis with possible translation to in-vivo a reality. Remote Infrared Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (Remote IR MALDI) system with endogenous water as matrix becomes real and allows to envisage real-time proteomics to be performed in the in-vivo context. Remote IR MALDI is demonstrated to be used to analyze peptides and proteins. Very interestingly, the corresponding mass spectra show ESI like charge states distribution, opening many applications for structural elucidation to be performed in real-time by Top-Down analysis. The charge states show no dependence toward laser wavelength or length of the transfer tube allowing for remote analyses to be perform 5 m away from the mass spectrometry (MS) instrument without modification of spectra. This brings also interesting features to the understanding of IR MALDI ionization mechanism