Maltose-functional metal–organic framework assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for small biomolecule determination

A series of functional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were facilely prepared through an one-pot procedure or post-synthetic modification strategy and used as matrices in laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). Compared with traditional organic matrices and other MOFs, maltose-functional MOF MIL-101-maltose demonstrated ultrahigh ionization efficiency, free matrix background, uniform crystallization, and good dispersibility. A simple, general, and efficient LDI-MS platform was developed for rapid detection of various small biomolecules using MIL-101-maltose as matrix, providing several advantages including low sample consumption of 500 nL, short analysis time of few seconds, strong salt tolerance (500 mM NaCl), and satisfactory reproducibility. The MIL-101-maltose matrix was used for serum glucose determination and successfully distinguished the diabetic patients from the healthy controls. This work provides a generic LDI-MS platform for fast determination of small biomolecules with high potential in clinical diagnosis and disease monitoring. Graphical abstract