MALDI-MS
In times of advanced development and research, it is extremely important to have the right analytical instrument for your research. MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) is a soft ionization method that makes the analyte molecules into the gas phase without fragmenting or decomposing them. MALDI is used to analyze biomolecules like peptides, lipids, saccharides or other organic molecules.
Application requirements
Different vacuum pressures in different stages
High reliability
Low power consumption
Functional principle of the HiPace turbopump in 3D
How does it work?
MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) based on the co-crystallization of matrix and an analyte with a 100 – 100.000 times surplus of matrix. Analyte molecules must be integrated in the crystals of the matrix when the crystals are formed. Typically successful co-crystallization needs a matrix to analyte ratio of 5000:1 (mol/mol). The matrix consists of little organic molecules, which absorb the high energy from the used laser wavelength. With short high-energy laser pulses with 2-5 Nano seconds pulse duration, the stimulation happens, which leads to explosive delamination of particles at the surface of the crystals. The matrix will travel together with the analyte molecules into the mass spectrometer and there the mass spectrometry analysis will be done. Why is MALDI used? It is a gentle ionization technique that is used when other types of ionization would fragment the sample too much.
Product portfolio
Because of the different vacuum pressures that are needed in the different mass spectrometry stages, the turbopump is the core of the vacuum system. Therefore, Pfeiffer Vacuum offers the best customized solution, SplitFlow turbopump to evacuate different vacuum stages with only one pump. To reach the necessary pressure range, a backing pump is needed. There are various models to choose from, such as dry backing pumps like diaphragm pumps or Roots pumps but also rotary vane pumps. To have an overview of your working pressure, Pfeiffer Vacuum offers a wide product range of different gauges. With the RS-485 interface, most of the products from Pfeiffer Vacuum can communicate with each other, resulting in one controller for your entire vacuum system.