A linear matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer used in pathogenic microorganism detection

Abstract

In order to achieve high throughput of microbial detection, this time of flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) is designed. A whole linear matrix assisted laser time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) consists of six parts: vacuum system, sample inputting system, high voltage power supply system, laser system, detection system, mass analyzer system. In this paper, the functions, including devices, control process and the resulting effects of each part are introduced respectively. And aiming at the most influencing factor which means the focusing electrodes group of mass analyzer, simulations and analysis are done to optimize its structure parameters. Compared with other instruments, this MALDI-TOF-MS has faster analysis speed, smaller volume, lower cost and suitable for clinical testing. Finally the completed equipment is used for the detection of standard samples with mass number 1531 Daltons, the spectrogram shows this analysis system's resolution is about 2500 FWHM.