Large Scale Proteomics Corporation

Other

John Joseph Lennon

Samuel G Michael

Anthony James Makusky

Jack E Goodman

N Leigh Anderson

Taraneh Norouzi

A mass spectrometry apparatus uses image processing of output signals of a camera in a mass spectrometer to provide feedback for directing the laser. The present invention provides for the determination of where samples have actually been deposited on a plate, and for the selection of different points for each sample, based on its structure, at which to aim a laser, during the cycle period of the mass spectrometer. Such feedback information increases the likelihood that the laser impinges samples and provides useful data.

System for optimizing alignment of laser beam with selected points on samples in maldi mass spectrometer

System for optimizing alignment of laser beam with selected points on samples in MALDI mass spectrometer

An automated pipetting apparatus and method for forming sample spots on a support include a pipette. A robotic assembly moves a sample container, such as a multiwell microtiter plate, and the support to the pipette for receiving and dispensing liquid samples. The pipette draws a predetermined volume of the liquid sample from the sample container into the axial passage of the pipette and forms a pocket of a gaseous material above and forms a barrier material below the volume of the liquid sample. The liquid sample is drawn into the pipette a distance sufficient to form a space between the liquid sample and the outlet of the pipette and to contain the liquid sample completely within the pipette. The volume of the barrier material, which is typically air or other fluid, separates the liquid sample a suitable distance from the outlet end of the pipette to prevent the liquid sample from flowing outward under gravity and being drawn along the outer surfaces of the pipette by the surface tension of the liquid, thereby preventing or inhibiting evaporation and preventing deposits from forming on the outer surface of the pipette. The pipette dispenses the liquid sample with sufficient force so that substantially the entire volume of the liquid sample is dispensed from the pipette directly onto the support. The support can be, for example, a sample plate of a MALDI mass spectrometer. The pipette deposits the liquid samples to form sample spots on the sample plate for analysis by the mass spectrometer.

Method for microdispensing of fluids from a pipette

An alignment plate is provided with a plurality of holes for guiding a pipette tip toward a sample plate of a MALDI mass spectrometer. Each of the holes is provided with a conical upper contour in order to guide the pipette tip toward a specific location on the sample plate. Two companion alignment plates are used in order to overlay two separate arrays of samples on the sample plate. For instance, a first of two alignment plates is formed with a 10&times;10 array of holes so that a 10&times;10 array of samples is deposited by the pipette tip onto the sample plate. The second of the two alignment plates is formed with a 9&times;9 array of holes so that a 9&times;9 array of samples is deposited on the sample plate at locations offset from the 10&times;10 array of samples already on the sample plate. The number of samples loaded on the sample plate is large and the space on the sample plate is more fully utilized.

Devices for use in MALDI mass spectrometry

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Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

John Joseph Lennon