Agena Bioscience, Inc.

Sequenom, Inc.

Thomas Becker

Charles Cantor

Hubert K&ouml;ster

Aaron A Hanson

Stefan Berkenkamp

Chao Lin

Paul Heaney

Xian-Wei Yao

Michael C Willis

Aaron Hanson

The invention provides a novel additive for improved analysis by mass spectrometry. More specifically, ascorbic acid has been found to reduce or eliminate the presence of adducts commonly present in mass spectra. The improved processes and compositions of the invention allow for increased accuracy, sensitivity and throughput for samples analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Compositions and processes for improved mass spectrometry analysis

Provided herein are compositions and methods useful for preparing and analyzing a sample on a substrate by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS). In some embodiments, compositions provided herein comprise a substrate, matrix and nanoparticles, and sometimes comprise one or more additives and sometimes an analyte. Compositions provided herein sometimes comprise nanoparticles that include or are made up of silicon dioxide.

Preparation enhancements and methods of use for MALDI mass spectrometry

A substrate for use in mass spectrometric analyzes having an array of target locations.

Method and apparatus for delivery of submicroliter volumes onto a substrate

A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.

Methods for reducing adduct formation for mass spectrometry analysis

Substrates, methods for making the substrates and methods for using the substrates for mass spectrometry analysis are provided. Methods include coating a conductive substrate having a hydrophilic surface (suitable for mass spectrometric analysis) with an uncharged hydrophobic surface, masking a subset of regions on the hydrophobic surface with an insulator, and applying an oxidizing force to the unmasked regions of the hydrophobic surface to render the unmasked regions hydrophilic.

Methods of making substrates for mass spectrometry analysis and related devices

Open systems for performing submicroliter reactions are provided. The systems can include a support for performing the reaction; a liquid dispensing system for dispensing a submicroliter amount of a liquid to a site on or in the support; a temperature controlling device for regulating the temperature of the support; and an interface for controlling the amount of liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing system are provided. Methods using the systems are also provided.

Systems and methods for performing reactions in an unsealed environment

An open system is provided for performing a submicroliter reaction. An open system can contain a solid support having a target site for performing the reaction; a liquid dispensing system such as a nanoliter dispensing pipette for dispensing a submicroliter amount of a liquid to the target site; a temperature controlling device for regulating the temperature of the support; and means for controlling the amount of liquid dispensed, which corresponds to the amount of liquid that evaporates from the target site. Also provided is an open system, including a solid support having a target site; a liquid dispensing system, which can dispense a liquid to the target site; a temperature controlling system, which regulates the temperature of the solid support; and an interface, which regulates an amount of liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing system. Also provided is a method for performing a reaction in a submicroliter volume in an unsealed environment by dispensing a submicroliter volume of liquid onto the surface of a support; monitoring the temperature of the support; monitoring an amount or rate of evaporation of the liquid; and dispensing to the surface of the support a further amount of the liquid, which corresponds to the amount lost from the support due to evaporation, thereby maintaining the reaction volume at a predetermined volume throughout the course of the reaction. A method also is provided for maintaining a volume of a reaction mixture, which can be one of a plurality of reaction mixtures, on a solid support in an unsealed environment by monitoring the rate of evaporation of a liquid from the reaction mixture; and dispensing into the reaction mixture an amount of liquid that corresponds to the amount that evaporates.

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La Jolla, CA, United States of America

Thomas Becker