Polyfunctional Fullerene Derivatives as UV-MALDI Matrices to Detect Peptides and Proteins

Abstract

Fullerene derivatives with polyfunctional groups were synthesized and used as matrices in UV matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (UV-MALDI) to detect polar biomolecules such as peptides and proteins. The fullerene derivatives are N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or water soluble. The matrix solutions (in DMF or water) can mix well with the aqueous solution containing the analyte. Visual observation with the assistance of magnifying glasses indicated that after drying, a homogenous sample solution was produced on the sample probe. MALDI/time-of-flight (MALDI/TOF) analyses results demonstrate that strong signals from peptides and proteins can be obtained. The fact that a homogenous sample solution was produced on the sample probe accounts for why the analyte's signals were detected everywhere on the probe.