MALDI-TOF from Shimadzu Analytical (India) Pvt. Ltd.

MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight) mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that measures the mass of molecules from a sample that has been embedded in a matrix by using a laser to ablate and desorb the molecules with minimal fragmentation. It is widely used in identification and characterization of higher molecular weight compounds (e.g.: proteins, peptides and synthetic polymers). Additionally, it is also used to identify microbes and check for food fraud.

Shimadzu released the world’s first MALDI-TOF MS device and subsequently produced various example analyses of high molecular weight compounds. This dramatically expanded the possible uses of mass spectrometry. In the year 2002 Koichi Tanaka won a Noble prize for their development of soft desorption ionisation methods for mass spectrometric analyses of biological macromolecules. He has been working with Shimadzu Corporation, Japan and still contributing to society through science and technology. Since then, Shimadzu offers a vast portfolio of MALDI products, from the MALDImini-1 digital ion trap mass spectrometer and the MALDI-8020/30 benchtop linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer which deliver outstanding performance in a compact footprint, to the AXIMA series MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometers, which provide simple and accurate mass measurements.

The MALDI-8030 is the latest in a long line of MALDI-TOF products from Shimadzu. Dual-polarity, benchtop linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer delivers outstanding performance in a compact footprint, making it an ideal choice for today’s increasingly demanding laboratories and making it an affordable class-leading workhorse.

Dual-mode instruments have traditionally been the instruments of choice in MALDI-TOF-based quality control (QC) and profiling workflows, and the MALDI-8030 is no exception. Peptides, proteins, polymers or oligonucleotides – the instrument is capable of delivering the performance required for QC applications. Research laboratories will also benefit from the MS capabilities of the instrument through the rapid mass measurement of samples. This makes MALD-8030 the best-in-class sensitivity and resolution.

MALDI-TOF in a clinical lab is required not only for accurate mass determination but also for quantitative measurement e.g. the direct identification of haemoglobinopathy and diabetes from blood prick samples. MALDI-TOF is widely spread in high-throughput routine e. g. in microbial ID in clinics. As many MALDI applications go without time-consuming chromatography steps, MALDI enables high-speed analysis. Long-term control of the glycaemic state of haemoglobin is the most important and reference tool for the management of diabetes. Several procedures and numerous commercial instruments, based mainly on chromatographic separation methods, are currently available for the determination of HbA1c in blood samples. MALDI can help to reduce analysis time and therefore increase the number of samples that can be analysed per day and instrument.

Haemoglobinopathies are the largest group of inherited disorders, affecting 7 percent of the world’s population. Diabetes is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality indices of national health organisations. Governments and regional health programmes are implemented to screen for these disorders before they become complicated and less manageable. From a single pinprick of blood, Haemoglobinopathy and diabetes can be simultaneously determined in minutes by MALDI-ToF MS, whereas conventional clinical laboratory takes days and weeks of expensive testing.

Shimadzu’s MALDI-TOF and TOF/TOF instruments are an affordable and robust option for clinical and research laboratories requiring analysis of a wide variety of sample classes.

In conclusion, Shimadzu MALDI-TOF holds great promise in the clinical diagnostics field, particularly in the Indian market. Its ability to rapidly and accurately identify microorganisms, detect antimicrobial resistance, and support outbreak investigations can significantly impact patient care, infection control, and public health strategies. By addressing critical needs and offering several advantages, Shimadzu MALDI-TOF is poised to play a vital role in advancing clinical diagnostics and research in India.