What is MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and its use in microbial identification?
Question
The other day, someone in our lab asked how exactly MALDI-TOF identifies microbes, and it got me curious again. I’d read a paper on it before, and this explanation really made it click. It outlines how MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry works step-by-step, from sample prep to ionization, and why it’s such a reliable method in microbiology labs.
Answer ( 1 )
How MALDI-TOF MS Works for Microbial ID:
1. Sample Preparation (The “Matrix” Part):
2. Ionization (The “MALDI” Part):