Mass spectrometric analysis using nanoparticles

A method for investigating at least one analyte by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS), comprising the provision of a sample with the analyte having first functional groups, the provision of nanoparticles which comprise a core with a diameter of from 30 to 400 nm and a surface which has complementary second functional groups which bind the first functional groups, the provision of a suspension of the nanoparticles in an aqueous liquid, the addition of the sample containing the at least one analyte to the nanoparticle suspension, or the addition of the suspension to the sample containing the analyte, the affinity binding of the analyte to the nanoparticles, the subsequent deposition of the suspension containing the bound analyte on a MALDI sample carrier, and the spectrometric investigation of the analyte.