Rapid Detection and Identification of Aerosolized Biological Materials, Toxins, and Microorganisms by an AP-MALDI-MS-Based System

Abstract

We previously reported development of a proteomics and AP-MALDI-MS/MS based system for biological detection and identification, offering fast analysis in minutes. In this work, a direct aerosol sampling module is reported which is interfaced with a small sample preparation module to reduce the overall size and power consumption. Bioaerosol samples are directly collected on a conveyor surface. On the same surface, sample processing is conducted, which include extraction of target-specific proteins using selective solubilization methods and in situ proteolysis. The microorganisms or toxins are identified using an AP-MALDI ion trap MS and MS/MS typing method. Identification for close relatives BA and BC with the MS/MS typing method is described.

Rapid Characterization of Microorganisms by Mass Spectrometry—What Can Be Learned and How?

“…A variety of tandem and hybrid analyzers has been employed to access the enhanced identifications provided by peptide sequencing. An ion trap-based MALDI system has been successfully tested that provides automated protein cleavage in situ, CID analysis of the peptide products, and bioinformatic identification of the peptides, proteins and bacterial species [28].…”