Substrates for MALDI Imaging Experiments

university wafer substrates

What ITO Wafer Spec is Used for MALDI Imaging?

A Phd candidate was looking at product ID 2277 (ITO coated slides, 75 x 22 x 0.7 mm, 15-20 Ohm/sq) for our MALDI imaging experiments.

Have they (ITO Substrates) already been used with MALDI instruments?

Would it be possible to receive a sample (1 or 2) slides, before order a larger number?

Reference #209450 for pricing or buy online and start researching today!

 

 

 

How is Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Used for MALDI imaging Experiments?

Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) can be used as a substrate for MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) imaging experiments in mass spectrometry. Here's how it works:

  1. Coating: The first step is to coat the ITO substrate with a thin layer of a suitable matrix material. The matrix assisted laser desorption ionizationmatrix is a compound that facilitates the ionization of the analyte molecules, which are the molecules of interest that the researcher wants to detect and identify. Common matrix materials used in MALDI imaging experiments include α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB).

  2. Sample Deposition: After the matrix is applied, the analyte molecules are deposited onto the surface of the matrix. This is typically done using a spotting technique, where a small amount of the sample solution is placed on the surface of the matrix-coated ITO substrate.

  3. MALDI Imaging: Once the sample has been deposited onto the substrate, the substrate is inserted into the mass spectrometer. A laser beam is then used to ionize the sample molecules, which are then detected and analyzed by the mass spectrometer. The ITO substrate acts as a conductive surface that helps to generate a homogeneous laser beam and facilitate ionization.

The advantage of using ITO as a substrate for MALDI imaging experiments is that it has a high electrical conductivity, which allows for efficient ionization of the analyte molecules. Additionally, the transparency of ITO allows for visualization of the sample during the deposition process, which helps to ensure accurate and precise placement of the sample on the substrate.