Gold Nanoparticle Matrices

A new matrix for MALDI-MS tissue imaging

nanoComposix offers an innovative new matrix for MALDI-MS tissue imaging consisting of a unique formulation of ultra pure gold nanoparticles--GNP MALDI Matrix. In a head-to-head comparison with the organic matrix 2,5-DHB, nanoComposix's GNP matrix outperformed the 2,5-DHB with higher detection sensitivity (for galactocerbrosides) and lower matrix background signal, making it ideal for the anlaysis of lipids and other small molecules with a m/z < 1500. Traditional organic matrices require a high matrix to analyte volume ratio which can cause large matrix crystal formation upon drying which impacts imaging resolution and repeatability. Because the GNP matrix is so efficient at promoting the desorption and ionization of biomolecules, the mass of matrix that is needed to effectively perform routine imaging is significantly reduced (~100X). Furthermore, the GNP formulation significantly reduces low mass matrix background interference. Our GNP matrices overcome common MALDI matrix limitations to bring you a more sensitive and lower background matrix for MALDI-MS imaging.

Advantages of our GNP MALDI Matrix:

• High detection sensitivity
• Excellent matrix for lipids, small molecules, sugars, and some peptides in the low mass regime (m/z < 1500)
• Low matrix background signal
• Low crystal formation upon drying
• No need to reconstitute, easy direct application

Images of Galactocerebroside ion courtesy of Dr. Amina Woods, NIDA, and Dr. Gongyi Shi and Dr. Joseph Fox of Bruker Daltonics