Improved detection of higher molecular weight proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry on polytetrafluoroethylene surfaces.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) of proteins was performed on a range of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surfaces. Sinapinic acid and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid matrices were compared and the order of application varied to identify the best combination for each surface. It is demonstrated that the use of a PTFE surface improves the intensity of signals obtained for higher molecular weight proteins.