SAMPLE PREPARATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

The present invention is a sample preparation system (22) and method that can be used with all types of analyte materials, that produces homogeneously deposited crystals across a sample surface (20), and that lends itself to automation. In this system (22) and method, analyte crystallization is caused by lyophilization. A homogenous analyte/solvent mixture (48) is placed on a sample surface (20). The mixture is frozen, then the solvent is sublimated through the application ofa vacuum. A homogeneous distribution of analyte crystals across the sample surface (20) results. This method is useful in preparing a sample for analysis by laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.