Poly(ethylene glycol) limits of detection using internal matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry.

Detection limits of poly(ethylene glycol) were examined in the mass range 2000-6000 Da. Using an aerospray sample deposition technique, highly uniform sample surfaces were produced. This method allows signal averaging of spectra from up to 400 shots on the same sample spot. It is found that, as the material available for desorption is decreased, the overall average sample consumption per shot is decreased. Experimentally determined detection limits of 40 and 280 fmol (based on the average molecular masses of 2000 and 6000) were found for PEG 2000 and PEG 6000, respectively. The sample spectra show oligomer distributions in agreement with their higher concentration counterparts. However, at the lowest signal-to-noise levels, oligomers at the extremes of the distribution are no longer detected, making the polymer distribution appear to be narrower in mass range.