A second-generation disposable prespotted anchor chip MALDI target for gel-based and LC-MALDI-based expression proteomics has been developed by Bruker Daltonics and Eppendorf.
The novel prespotted anchor chip from eliminates any cross-contamination from previous samples, eliminates laborious calibration spot preparation, and significantly reduces sample preparation time, while it maintains unrivalled sensitivity. It now offers in a convenient disposable format the well-established anchor chip 10-fold to 100-fold sensitivity increase.
The prespotted anchor chip comes in a 384 sample microtitre plate (MTP) format with additional 96 calibrant spots, all conveniently pre-spotted with matrix. Each chip is delivered under inert gas in a container that can also be used for sample archiving after the analysis. The prespotted anchor chip provides for the first time a polymer-based sample target for MALDI-TOF(/TOF) instruments with a flatness comparable to steel targets resulting in unchanged, excellent mass accuracy. Pre-spotted matrix and the calibrant spots enable users to simply apply aqueous peptide and protein digest samples directly to the target. Additional calibrant spot preparations or the use of organic solvents and matrices can be omitted altogether. The individual barcode on each chip allows effective and secure sample tracking.
The prespotted anchor chip has been developed in collaboration with Eppendorf AG, and is exclusively available for Bruker Daltonics MALDI customers. Eppendorf contributed their know-how in "smart plastics" and their renowned state-of-the-art production processes for this customized proteomics chip. The prespotted anchor chip offers reliable, quality-controlled conditions for convenient MALDI-TOF(/TOF) sample preparation with highest reproducibility in expression and quantitative proteomics.
Dr. Michael Schubert of Bruker Daltonics explained: "The prespotted anchor chip represents a crucial improvement in reproducible, high-quality MALDI sample preparation for proteomics, which is essential for larger validation or comparison studies, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. It all but eliminates any significant risk of memory effects or cross contamination, and it makes MALDI sample preparation far more convenient and less error-prone."
He continued: "Now, the entire process from sample collection, through sample clean-up and MALDI sample preparation is based on standardized disposables for validation purposes. Yet, we maintain the excellent mass accuracy and highest sensitivity of our original steel anchor chips. We are very pleased to offer our customers this high-performance chip together with Eppendorf, whose excellent reputation for highest quality life-science consumables perfectly fits into our own product philosophy."
Bruker develops life science and advanced materials research tools based on x-ray technology and mass spectrometry.
Eppendorf supplies systems and research tools for the biotechnology industry including instruments, consumables, and reagents. Applications include cell manipulation, complete PCR systems, liquid handling, purification of DNA, liquid handling, and centrifugation.