MS sample preparation

Millipore and Applied Biosystems have announced the MALDIspot Kit, which is expected to improve the sensitivity of mass spectrometry (MS) by maximising peptide recovery during sample preparation of gel spots. The kit is the second in a series of MS sample preparation products being developed through a proteomics partnership between Millipore and Applied Biosystems.

The MALDIspot Kit includes the ZipPlate micro-SPE plate, a 96 well sample preparation tool for destaining, digesting, and concentrating proteins from either 1D or 2D gels in a single plate. Also included is an apparatus that allows direct elution of purified peptides onto an Applied Biosystems MALDI target insert in a matrix solution of only 1-2 µL. The insert is then placed into a sled, which is compatible with all Voyager-DE workstations, as well as the QSTAR XL Hybrid LC/MS/MS System with oMaldi source. Additional kit components include Applied Biosystems MALDI target inserts, a vacuum manifold adapter, sled, and cleaning solution.

By eliminating all sample transfer steps, the MALDIspot Kit is expected to maximise sample recovery, allow detection of lower abundance proteins in gels, and accelerate the entire process. With ZipPlate devices, 8-96 samples can be processed in just seven hours.

The device is configured for manual or automated use. Automation protocols are available from Millipore.