Significant parameters in the optimization of MALDI-TOF-MS for synthetic polymers

Journal Article · Wed Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 2006 · Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JASMS.2005.11.007· OSTI ID:22779207

Guttman, Charles M.; Flynn, Kathleen M. ^[1]; Filliben, James J. ^[2]

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1. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Polymers Division (United States)
2. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Statistical Engineering Division (United States)

One of the most significant issues in any analytical practice is optimization. Optimization and calibration are key factors in quantitation. In matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), instrument optimization is a limitation restricting quantitation. An understanding of the parameters that are most influential and the effects of these parameters on the mass spectrum is required for optimization. This understanding is especially important when characterizing synthetic polymers by MALDI-TOF-MS, due to the breadth of the polymer molecular mass distribution (MMD). Two considerations are important in quantitation, additivity of signal and signal-to-noise (S/N). In this study, the effects of several instrument parameters were studied using an orthogonal experimental design to understand effects on the signal-to-noise (S/N) of a polystyrene distribution. The instrument parameters examined included detector voltage, laser energy, delay time, extraction voltage, and lens voltage. Other parameters considered were polymer concentration and matrix. The results showed detector voltage and delay time were the most influential of the instrument parameters for polystyrene using all trans-retinoic acid (RA) as the matrix. These parameters, as well as laser energy, were most influential for the polystyrene with dithranol as the matrix.

• OSTI ID: 22779207
• Journal Information: Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, Journal Name: Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 17; ISSN 1044-0305; ISSN JAMSEF
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CALIBRATION
CONCENTRATION RATIO
DESORPTION
EXTRACTION
IONIZATION
LASER RADIATION
MASS DISTRIBUTION
MASS SPECTRA
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
NOISE
POLYSTYRENE
TIME DELAY
TIME-OF-FLIGHT METHOD