Alkaloids detection and dosage using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time Of Flight) mass spectrometry is a detection technique broadly appreciated for its sensitivity and its speed of use.

This technique, where the sample is uniformly mixed in a large quantity of matrix absorbing the incident laser beam energy and thus making the ionization of the sample softer, is broadly applied for the analysis of macromolecules. Nevertheless, no matrix is currently available for its use with small molecules. Their analysis using commercially available matrices is often impaired by the co-formation of matrix ions in the range of 0-600m/z.

A novel matrix MT3P (3-[5'-(methylthio)-2,2'-bithiophen-5-ylthio]propanenitrile) has been developed, specially adapted for alkaloids detection and analysis using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

The use of this novel matrix offers the possibility to benefit from the well-known advantages of MALDI mass spectrometry, by performing the analysis of alkaloids.

Today, the most common way to perform alkaloids analysis is to use the LC-MS technique, which is way longer and more complexe, leading to considerable loos of time when it comes to use it in routine workflow.