Evaluation of Intact Cell Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Timeof-Flight Mass Spectrometry for Capillary Electrophoresis Detection of Controlled Bacterial Clumping

Pomastowski P, Szultka M, Kupc

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been proposed as a technique of choice for quick classification of bacterial cells and precise characterization of microorganisms. The evaluated MALDI MS procedure was confronted with automated biochemical method using the VITEK 2 Compact system employed as a reference method. Moreover, the investigation aimed at describing and optimization of the environmental conditions having an impact on reproducibility and quality of one-dimensional intact-cell MALDI TOF spectra. The work presents off-line combination of capillary electrophoresis of microbial clumping with spectrometric detection.