The Bruker AutoFlex Max MALDI-(TOF/TOF) MS is capable of both positive and negative ion detection modes.

Bruker AutoFlex Max MALDI-TOF/TOF MS located in the CCMR Polymer Characterization Facility (B78 S. T. Olin Laboratory)

Reflectron mode allows for enhanced resolution up to ~ m/z 10 kDa, for small molecules (generally above m/z 400 – 500), polymer end-group analyses, and small protein/peptide-sequencing studies.  Linear mode is used for larger molecules, offering decreased resolution, but enhanced sensitivity for larger polymers and proteins, up to over m/z 100 kDa.

2 kHz Bruker SmartBeam II laser offers sample acquisition times of 0.5 – 2 seconds for most routine analyses.

Collision-Induced-Decay Cell (LIFT) cell installed for parent-ion selection and studies of polymer branching, peptide-sequencing, and other MS/MS studies.

Standard Bruker MTP 384 spot polished-steel target plate is required, and can be purchased from the Facility Manager at cost.

For those studying synthetic polymers by MALDI, the NIST MALDI Recipes page is a great place to start for learning about MALDI sample preparation.