Combination of planar chromatography with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the analysis of biologically active compounds

MALDI mass spectra of 33 pharmacological substances recorded from standard metal targets using four different matrices (HABA, DHB, IAA and AT) have been obtained for the first time. They revealed only peaks for ions [M + H]+, [M + Na]+, and [M + K]+ with different intensities. It has been shown that MALDI spectra of the compounds can be obtained as a result of the desorption/ionization of analytes from spots on thin-layer chromatogram (TLC) (silica stationary phase) in the presence of the same tested matrices. It has been found that graphite can be efficiently used as a matrix in combination of TLC with MALDI mass spectrometry, as it eliminates the danger of the broadening of spots on TLC plates in the treatment with matrix solution and reduces the time of sample preparation.