Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF):- Uses mass spectrometry to analyze proteins and other macromolecules.
- Charged particles are accelerated by the laser, the time of flight is proportional to the ion’s mass and the chromatogram or patterns are compared to a library for identification.
- Rapid identification using a small sample size.
- Can also be utilized for the identification of mycobacteria (AFB) and fungi.
- Can be difficult to identify organisms that do not adhere readily to the metal plate (may need additional chemical processing to identify).
- There are database limitations, and the initial investment cost is high.
31. MediaLab. "MALDI-TOF principle." MediaLab, Inc. Image obtained from MediaLab Inc. 2022.
