MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry is a powerful tool for identifying large biomolecules. It supports the analysis of proteins, peptides and other complex compounds. The process begins by mixing the sample with a matrix that absorbs laser energy. This mixture is placed on a metal plate. A laser hits the mixture and vaporises the matrix. The matrix then carries the sample molecules into the gas phase and ionises them. The ions move into a time of flight analyser where they separate by mass to charge ratio. The system measures how long each ion takes to reach the detector. This measurement allows the instrument to determine the mass of each ion. The technique handles complex mixtures with very little fragmentation. It identifies high molecular weight compounds and supports work with synthetic polymers. It is also used to identify microbes and detect food fraud.
Shimadzu offers a vast portfolio of MALDI products, from the MALDI mini-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. Shimadzu’s MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and TOF/TOF instruments are an affordable and robust option for all laboratories requiring routine manual or automated analysis of a wide variety of sample classes.
The AXIMA Microorganism Identification System offers rapid and simple microbial identification. It delivers reliable identification results in under two minutes. Sample preparation takes only three steps and needs no gram staining. The system includes a validated database for bacteria and fungi. Optional Strain Solution software improves strain level identification. This makes the system suitable for laboratories that need fast and trusted results.
Mason Technology supplies a full range of MALDI TOF instruments and accessories. Our solutions provide high sensitivity and reliable accuracy for Irish laboratories. They support routine testing and advanced research across many scientific fields.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
The MALDI-8020 is the latest in a long line of MALDI-TOF products from Shimadzu. This benchtop, linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer delivers outstandin...
More About MALDI-8020 | MALDI Benchtop Instrument
MALDI-8020 | MALDI Benchtop Instrument
The MALDI-8020 is the latest in a long line of MALDI-TOF products from Shimadzu. This benchtop, linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer delivers outstanding performance in a compact footprint, making it an ideal choice for today’s increasingly demanding laboratories.
Linear mode instruments have traditionally been the instruments of choice in MALDI-TOF-based quality control (QC) and profiling workflows, and the MALDI-8020 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.
MALDI-8020 overview
- Linear mode (positive ion) MALDI-TOF
- 200 Hz solid-state laser, 355 nm
- Load-lock chamber for fast sample introduction
- UV laser-based source cleaning (patented)
- Small footprint/benchtop design
- Quiet operation (<55 dB)
MALDI-8020 features
- Sample target solutions: Compatible with the FlexiMass™ series of microscope slide-format sample targets, these slides provide researchers with options depending on their experimental workflow. The individually barcoded, single-use FlexiMass™-DS slides provide a convenient solution for more routine or defined workflows. Ready-to-use, these disposable targets eliminate the need for cleaning and the risk of carryover. Alternatively, the reusable stainless steel FlexiMass™-SR sample targets provide a cost-effective, longer-term solution to sample preparation.
- TrueClean™ automated source cleaning: To maintain instrument performance over time, the MALDI-8020 features wide-bore ion optics – a feature used on our existing MALDI-TOF products – which minimize the risk of source contamination over time, providing a robust platform. To maximize uptime, the system is equipped with TrueClean – an automated, rapid (<10 min) UV laser-based source cleaning which can be used to clean the extraction electrode in-situ without breaking instrument vacuum.
- Facilitates 21 CFR Part 11 compliance: Operating under the control of MALDI Solutions™ software, the software features a centralized, secure Microsoft® SQL database which can be used to store everything from sample lists and acquisition Parameter Sets to acquired MALDI data. The system is managed by an Administrator and customizable user profiles provide control over access to the database and operation of the instrument. Along with a full audit trail, the software provides the tools to help achieve 21 CFR part 11 regulatory compliance.
- Quality as standard: As mass spectrometry moves into clinical laboratories, the MALDI-8020 is the perfect choice for researchers developing MALDI-based diagnostic methods*. The system is designed and manufactured to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 quality management standards and is CE compliant. Through the selection of components demonstrating improved longevity and performance, and by reducing the number of component parts, our engineers have created a reliable and robust platform capable of delivering outstanding performance in a small footprint. The MALDI systems are maintained by trained service support engineers who form part of the Shimadzu global distribution and support network. Routine maintenance is simplified thanks to the instrument design, providing our engineers with easy access to commonly serviced parts.
The Shimadzu MALDI-7090 is targeted for proteomics and tissue imaging. It combines Shimadzu’s extensive MALDI TOF-TOF mass spectrometry expertise wi...
More About MALDI-7090 | Multi-user high-performance MALDI TOF-TOF Mass Spectrometer
MALDI-7090 | Multi-user high-performance MALDI TOF-TOF Mass Spectrometer
The Shimadzu MALDI-7090 is targeted for proteomics and tissue imaging. It combines Shimadzu’s extensive MALDI TOF-TOF mass spectrometry expertise with novel patented technology to provide ultimate performance in identification and structural characterization of biomolecules.
MALDI-7090 overview
- Market leading MS/MS resolution
- Proprietary solid state UV laser technology
- Ultra Fast acquisition speed in MS and MS/MS
- Integrated 10 plate loader
- Newly designed MALDI Solutions™ software
Multi-user high-performance MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometer application areas
MALDI Solutions™ is the completely new software interface for the MALDI-7090 MALDI TOF-TOF mass spectrometer. Providing a powerful range of tools for method development, acquisition, data processing and interpretation, MALDI Solutions has been designed for ease of use and reliability. Each function within the MALDI Solutions suite is targeted to a particular application such as LC, MALDI, MALDI imaging or manual control, creating a simple and versatile application-centric platform.
MALDI-7090 features
- MultiPlex: MultiPlex maximizes the efficient use of the MALDI-7090 through the combination of the integrated 10 plate loader, the 2 kHz ultra fast UV laser and the MALDI Solutions™ multi-user environment software.
- A source design like no other: The MALDI-7090 includes a number of proprietary features to improve sensitivity and productivity.
- Wide Bore ion Optics: Consisting of unique wide-bore extraction optics, the MALDI-7090 ion optics are designed to maximize ion transmission and minimize source contamination over time.
- Ultra fast Laser: Shimadzu’s proprietary solid-state UV laser, designed specifically for the MALDI-7090, delivers true 2kHz acquisition speed in all modes. The added benefits of variable beam focus and long lifetime maximize reliability and broad-range applicability.
- HD sample viewing: It incorporates the latest state-of-the -art camera technology to deliver high-quality full HD color images of the sample with 10µm viewing resolution, software-controlled variable focus and long-life LED illumination.
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TrueClean™: Optimal performance of the MALDI-7090 source is maintained using TrueClean – a novel and fully automated source cleaning process. TrueClean cleans the source electrodes by redirecting the UV laser onto their surface and desorbing any contaminant material. This method is highly efficient and does not require source removal or venting.
- High-resolution ion gate: It is equipped with a dual wire-grid high resolution ion gate. Compounds of similar nominal mass may produce MS/MS spectra that contain fragment ions from several precursors if not gated correctly. However, the high-resolution ion gate in the MALDI-7090 allows the individual gating of species close in nominal mass thus producing distinct fragment ion spectra.
- Axial Spatial Distribution Focusing – ASDF: ASDF is a Shimadzu patented technology that enables unparalleled resolution in MS/MS acquisitions. Through correction of the axial spatial distribution of the ions generated, the mass resolution is significantly increased and becomes essentially independent of the laser power used to ionize the sample.
- High- and low-energy fragmentation:
- High-energy CID: MS/MS fragmentation in the MALDI-7090 is true high-energy CID (HE-CID).
- Low-energy fragmentation (metastable decay): It can also be used in low-energy fragmentation mode without collision gas. Here the fragmentation relies on spontaneous metastable decay of the precursor and exhibits low-energy type ions.
The Shimadzu AXIMA Assurance a Linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for reliable mass information, an affordable, robust option for all laboratories req...
More About AXIMA Assurance | MALDI Floor Standing Instrument
AXIMA Assurance | MALDI Floor Standing Instrument
The Shimadzu AXIMA Assurance a Linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for reliable mass information, an affordable, robust option for all laboratories requiring routine manual or automated analysis of a wide variety of sample classes.
AXIMA Assurance overview
- Linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for reliable mass information.
- An affordable, robust option for all laboratories requiring routine manual or automated analysis of a wide variety of sample classes.
- High sensitivity system using a variable repetition rate 50 Hz N2 laser and a variety of target formats to meet all sample throughput requirements.
AXIMA Assurance features
- Near-axis laser irradiation with a 50Hz variable repetition rate N2 laser
- Positive and negative ion modes as standard
- Ion gate – used as beam blanker to remove unwanted low mass ions
- Mass resolution >5000 FWHM
- Sensitivity – 250 amol Glu-fibrinopeptide
- Mass accuracy < 30ppm
- Mass range 1–500kDa
- Flexible target formats – ranging from 48 well microscope slide format targets to 384 well microtitre plate targets
High performance mass detection aplications
Ideally suited for high throughput QA/QC application areas, for example
- Oligonucleotides/primers
- Synthetic peptides/proteins
- Polymer analysis
- Small molecules
Application areas include
- Protein profiling
- Tissue imaging
- Biomarker discovery
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms
Despite its light and compact shape, the MALDImini-1 from Shimadzu allows high-sensitivity MSn measurements, making it suitable for a large number of ...
More About MALDImini-1 | Digital Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer
MALDImini-1 | Digital Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer
Despite its light and compact shape, the MALDImini-1 from Shimadzu allows high-sensitivity MSn measurements, making it suitable for a large number of applications.
Key features of the MALDImini-1
- “Minimum” footprint: Until now, devices for MSn have had strenuous installation requirements, but the MALDImini-1’s compact size and power requirements make it easy to install almost anywhere. Easy access to the instrument allows users to quickly acquire data and check their results, creating a more convenient workfow right on the bench.
- “Minimum” time: MALDI lends itself to quick analysis through simple sample preparation and acquisition. Once the sample is loaded, users can acquire a spectrum in a few minutes at the click of a button. With such a smooth and quick setup, it is possible to carry out detailed structural analyses in a very short time span.
- “Minimum” sample volume: By combining a MALDI ion source with Digital Ion Trap (DIT) technology, it is possible to carry out high-sensitivity MS and MSn analysis even on micro-quantity samples. Not only can the mass of various molecules be checked, but it is also possible to carry out a wide range of analyses such as identifying proteins and investigating the structure of glycans and glycopeptides.
AXIMA Confidence overview The Shimadzu AXIMA Confidence has powerful MALDI-TOF performance for reliable mass information and MS/MS derived structural...
More About AXIMA Confidence | MALDI Floor Standing Instrument
AXIMA Confidence | MALDI Floor Standing Instrument
AXIMA Confidence overview
- The Shimadzu AXIMA Confidence has powerful MALDI-TOF performance for reliable mass information and MS/MS derived structural detail.
- Linear mode allows the interrogation of high molecular weight samples, whilst reflectron mode, incorporating the patented curved-field reflectron (CFR), provides the high resolution and mass accuracy necessary for successful proteomics and life science experiments.
- High sensitivity system using a variable repetition rate 50 Hz N2 laser and a variety of target formats to meet all sample throughput requirements.
- An affordable robust option for all laboratories requiring routine manual or automated analysis of a wide variety of sample classes.
- Excellent sensitivity is achieved using near-axis laser irradiation and advanced ion optics for enhanced ion transmission.
- MS/MS may be easily performed using a seamless approach – ions of interest can be isolated using a precursor ion selection device, incorporated as standard, and data-rich fragment ion spectra quickly and simply acquired.The newly improved curved field reflectron design augments the low mass fragment region providing useful additional information.
Shimadzu AXIMA Confidence features and benefits
Key Performance Features
- Near-axis laser irradiation with a 50Hz variable repetition rate N2 laser
- Patented improved curved field reflectron
- Mass range 1-500kDa in linear mode; 1-80kDa in reflectron mode
- Mass resolution 5000 FWHM (ACTH 18-39) in linear mode; 15000 FWHM (ACTH 7-38) in reflectron mode
- Sensitivity 500 amol (Glu-fibrinopeptide) in reflectron mode
- Mass accuracy <10ppm in reflectron mode with internal calibration
- Precursor ion resolution >200 FWHM
- Seamless MS/MS utilising PSD
- Flexible target formats – ranging from 48 well microscope slide format targets to 384 well microtitre plate targets
Key Benefits
- Proteomics experiments
- LC MALDI
- Polymer analysis
- Tissue imaging/biomarker discovery
- Oligonucleotide/primer analysis
- Full integration with robotic sample preparation devices such as the Accuspot and ChIP for a variety of applications
Mason Technology is delighted to partner with Shimadzu to supply the AXIMA Performance, a research-grade MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometer tailored for ...
More About AXIMA Performance | MALDI Floor Standing Instrument
AXIMA Performance | MALDI Floor Standing Instrument
Mason Technology is delighted to partner with Shimadzu to supply the AXIMA Performance, a research-grade MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometer tailored for demanding analytical workflows in Ireland. Designed for flexibility and performance, the AXIMA Performance empowers laboratories across proteomics, polymer analysis, functional genomics and more. With Mason Technology as your trusted supplier you receive full installation, training and support for the Irish market.
Shimadzu AXIMA Performance Key Features
- High energy MS/MS using 20 keV collision energy for confident fragmentation of complex biomolecules.
- Advanced precursor ion gating technology to deliver optimal resolution and cleaner spectra.
- Outstanding sensitivity in both MS and MS/MS modes to ensure signal integrity from low-abundance samples.
- Reflectron mode for high-resolution peptide mass fingerprinting and analysis of complex mixtures.
- Broad application range including intact proteins, LC-MALDI workflows, functional genomics and polymer characterisation.
- Versatile instrument configuration that supports both routine and advanced research workflows in Irish laboratories.
Mason Technology offers the AXIMA Performance with support services fully adapted for the Irish environment—including local calibration, service and operator training. Whether your lab is exploring proteomics, advanced organic analysis or materials science, you can rely on Mason Technology as your partner for robust instrument supply and long-term reliability.
Mason Technology partners with Shimadzu to bring the MALDI 8030 to laboratories across Ireland. This compact dual polarity MALDI TOF mass spectrometer...
More About MALDI 8030 | MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometer
MALDI 8030 | MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometer
Mason Technology partners with Shimadzu to bring the MALDI 8030 to laboratories across Ireland. This compact dual polarity MALDI TOF mass spectrometer is designed for fast, reliable and routine analysis. It supports a wide range of applications, including peptides, proteins, polymers and oligonucleotides. Its efficient workflow and easy operation make it well suited to research, teaching and quality control environments in Ireland.
MALDI 8030 Key Features
- Works in both positive and negative ion modes to increase application flexibility.
- Uses a 200 Hz 355 nm solid state laser for fast ionisation and stable performance.
- Includes a load lock chamber for quick sample introduction and reduced downtime.
- Offers UV laser based source cleaning to maintain consistent data quality with less manual maintenance.
- Fits easily on the bench which helps laboratories where space is limited.
- Operates at a low noise level below 55 dB to support shared laboratory environments.
- Built to ISO 13485 2016 requirements and suitable for use in regulated settings.
Mason Technology supplies the Shimadzu MALDI 8030 with installation, calibration, operator training and ongoing local service. Our team supports you throughout the life of the instrument so that you achieve reliable performance and efficient workflows. By choosing Mason Technology you gain a trusted supplier with strong technical expertise and a commitment to supporting laboratories across Ireland.