A microsystem platform interfacing MALDI-TOF MS for high speed automated protein identification

A generic micro chemical and fluidic platform interfacing matrix-assisted Laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) that facilitates protein analysis is presented. The microsystem comprises a flow-through piezo dispenser, nanovial MALDI-targets and if needed enzyme (protease) activated porous silicon microreactors (mu -chip IMER) for on-line digestions of proteins. This microsystem can be used to perform enrichment of low abundant, >1 nM, peptides and proteins from 2-DE, mu -LC or to perform protein identification through peptide mass mapping. Applications of the system for automated protein identification, sample enrichment and coupling to mu -LC is demonstrated.