Molecular mass and mass distribution
linear or reflector TOF
Material Analysis · Chromatography & Diagnostics
MALDI Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS)
Characterise molecular mass and mass distribution, peptide/protein, polymer, lipid, or biomolecule fingerprint, and spatial molecular distribution in imaging mode using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£115.5 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 7 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Bruker timsTOF fleXShimadzu MALDI-7090
- Typical outputs
- MALDI mass spectrumPeak list and tentative/confirmed identificationOptional MS/MS or imaging mapProcessed chromatogram or spectrum
Why this service
What MALDI-TOF-MS can help you understand
MALDI Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry is selected when the project needs defensible information on molecular mass and mass distribution, peptide/protein, polymer, lipid, or biomolecule fingerprint, or…
Peptide/protein, polymer, lipid, or biomolecule fingerprint
TOF/TOF MS/MS
Spatial molecular distribution in imaging mode
MALDI imaging
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Linear or reflector TOF
molecular mass and mass distribution
- Best used when
- molecular mass and mass distribution
- Typical result
- MALDI mass spectrum
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
TOF/TOF MS/MS
peptide/protein, polymer, lipid, or biomolecule fingerprint
- Best used when
- peptide/protein, polymer, lipid, or biomolecule fingerprint
- Typical result
- Peak list and tentative/confirmed identification
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
MALDI imaging
spatial molecular distribution in imaging mode
- Best used when
- spatial molecular distribution in imaging mode
- Typical result
- Optional MS/MS or imaging map
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
MALDI mass spectrum reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Peak list and tentative/confirmed identification supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Optional MS/MS or imaging map provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed chromatogram or spectrum included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for MALDI Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry?
Provide biological / soft material, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For molecular mass and mass distribution, start with linear or reflector TOF; add TOF/TOF MS/MS when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 7 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Matrix selection and spot heterogeneity affect reproducibility. Ionisation bias and limited fragmentation can restrict structural identification.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope MALDI-TOF-MS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth