Detection of High-mass Proteins Using a Benchtop MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer

The applicability of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to perform protein detection is well recognized in the life science field. In this field, SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography have been historically used, however, they have drawbacks such as being time-consuming or lacking accuracy in molecular weight determination. Due to its ability to provide more accurate molecular weight information, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has become the primary tool for the analysis of protein primary structures. Moreover, in recent years, the analysis of proteins at the femtomole and subfemtomole levels is often required, which is increasing the demand for higher sensitivity measurements with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.