Shimadzu has released the MALDImini™-1, a compact MALDI digital ion trap mass spectrometer, fitting in a space the size of an A3 piece of paper. It provides fast high-sensitivity measurements and detailed structural and qualitative analyses over a wide mass range, even with sub-µL sample volumes. The Digital Ion Trap (DIT) technology, along with the design of the laser optics, sample stage and vacuum exhaust system, reduces the space needed for the device. The small size and corresponding lower power requirements allow it to be plugged into a conventional AC power supply.
Sample and matrix are simply spotted on the sample plate, dried and loaded into the instrument. Analysis can begin in as little as five minutes. This fast, simple setup enables users to conduct and repeat even in-depth structural analyses in a short time span. The system’s DIT uses rectangular wave RF to allow ion trapping up to 70,000 Da. This capability, when combined with a MALDI source, enables high-sensitivity MSn analysis in a broad range of applications. In addition to checking the mass of smaller biomolecules, such as peptides and glycans, the digital RF waveform allows analysis of higher molecular weight species up to 70,000 Da. Furthermore, the MS/MS and MS3 functionality of the DIT allows researchers to carry out comprehensive structural analyses, such as direct glycopeptide analysis, post translational modification analysis, and branched glycan structural analysis.
