Method for characterising analytes
AssigneeXzillion GmbH & Co.
InventorAndrew Thompson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided is a method for characterising an analyte by matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry, which method comprises: (a) labelling the analyte with a light-absorbing label that absorbs light at a pre-determined frequency, to form a labelled analyte; (b) embedding the labelled analyte in a matrix formed from at least one compound that absorbs light, to form an embedded labelled analyte; (c) desorbing the embedded labelled analyte by exposing it to light having the pre-determined frequency, to form a desorbed analyte; and (d) detecting the desorbed analyte by mass spectrometry to characterise the analyte.
Claims70
A method for characterising an analyte by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, which method comprises:
- (a) labelling the analyte with a light-absorbing label that absorbs light at a pre-determined frequency, to form a labelled analyte;
- (b) embedding the labelled analyte in a matrix, wherein the matrix comprises at least one light-absorbing compound, to form an embedded labelled analyte;
- (c) desorbing the embedded labelled analyte by exposing it to light having the pre determined frequency, to form a desorbed analyte;
- and
- (d) detecting the desorbed analyte by mass spectrometry, to characterise the analyte.
A labelled analyte compound, which compound has the following structure:
- D-M-L-A
- wherein D comprises a light absorbing label, M comprises a mass modifier, L comprises a linker and A comprises an analyte.
A compound for labelling an analyte, which compound has the following structure:
- K-L-R
- wherein K is a mass marker comprising a cinnamic acid derivative, a nicotinic acid derivative, a picolinic acid derivative, a hydroxybenzoic acid derivative, a methoxybenzoic acid derivative, or a sinapinic acid derivative;
- L comprises a linker;
- and R comprises a reactive functionality for attaching the compound to an analyte.
A kit for characterising an analyte by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, which kit comprises:
- (a) one or more light absorbing labels having a reactive functionality for attaching the label to an analyte;
- and
- (b) a compound for forming a matrix, which compound absorbs light at the same frequency as the light-absorbing label.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.