We are interested on analyzing complexes of DNA with MALDI-TOF. The samples are in water but when we applied the samples on the MALDI TOF plate while the water evaporated off the sample remained as a small droplet. is that normal? Does anyone has experience with DNA and MALDI TOF analysis? Thank you.
Hi, Maria -
DNA analysis by MALDI-TOF is a bit tricky, and it does sound as if something isn't quite right in your method. It's especially important to desalt the samples. You can get some more information here: http://nar.oxfordjournals.org/content/26/11/2554.full
Hi Maria,
I have a bit of experience looking at RNA and DNA by MALDI-tof-MSand I have to second the advice that the sample has to be very well desalted. There are several questions to ask: (1) If the water of your sample evaporated, what is the droplet that remained?(2) what ionization matrix are you using; (3) what is the size of the DNA of interest or in your mix; (4) what is the DNA concentration; (5) what is the mass window you are trying to look at and hence, the resolution.
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