Long time storage (archiving) of peptide, protein and tryptic digest samples on disposable nano-coated polymer targets for MALDI MS

•Long time storage (archiving) of biological specimens on MALDI MS targets.•Nano-coated polymer-based microscope format MALDI MS target.•One-way and cheap MALDI MS target.•Storage of peptides and proteins in the MALDI MS matrix for six months.•Reanalysis of partly used MALDI MS sample preparations.

Archiving of biological specimens is important due to the importance of reanalysis of already prepared MALDI MS samples or simultaneuous analysis of a sample series. Proteins/peptides and digests were prepared for measurement on a polymer-based metal nano-coated MALDI target and subjected to various storage conditions (−80 °C to RT) in a vacuum-sealed pouch and at atmosphere for 6 months. The MS data gathered from these preparations illustrate trends in the aging of different samples and to find optimal storage conditions (−20 or −80 °C in low oxygen environment). The disposable/low cost target proved to be a suitable platform for storage and MALDI MS.

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