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Sample preparation plate for mass spectrometryRelated Patent Categories: Radiant Energy, Ionic Separation Or Analysis, With Sample Supply MeansSample preparation plate for mass spectrometry description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060016984, Sample preparation plate for mass spectrometry. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit of and is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2004/003890, filed Feb. 10, 2004 and designating the United States, which claims benefit of a priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/446,236, filed Feb. 10, 2003. The content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention pertains to a sample preparation plate used to prepare a sample for mass spectrometry. In particular, the instant invention pertains to a sample plate used to concentrate a sample as well as remove contaminants from the sample while providing facile manipulation of small liquid droplets on a surface with minimal loss of sample. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Mass spectrometric analysis of analytes such as small molecules as well as large biomolecules like proteins and oligonucleotides often involves sample preparation. It is axiomatic that the cleaner a sample is prior to analysis, then often the better analytical result is obtained. [0004] Currently, sample purification of samples destined for mass spectrometric analysis in low volumes, i.e., <100 .mu.L, prior to introducing the sample into a mass spectrometer, using an ionization technique such as MALDI or static nanospray, is often accomplished employing ZipTips.RTM. pipette columns from the Millipore Corporation. Alternatively, microcolumns prepared from gel-loader tips or short sections of fused silica packed with a chromatographic stationary phase are used to clean the sample. For static nanospray, the goal is to introduce the sample by electrospray ionization at low flow rates (20-40 nanoliters/minute) from a small initial volume of sample (.about.1-5 .mu.L) allowing extended MS analysis time. This is accomplished by placing the sample into a nanospray emitter which can be a pulled borosilicate glass tip coated with a conductive coating or from a "nozzle" in an array of microfabricated nozzles. ZipTips columns or other prepared microcolumns are currently used for removal of contaminants prior to mass spectrometric analysis. [0005] One problem experienced by practitioners in the field in the application of ZipTips columns or microcolumns to the preparation of samples is poor recovery, particularly in the presence of buffers, detergents, salts, and chaotropes such as Tris, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), urea, etc. For example, peptides extracted from one-dimensional or two-dimensional gels following in-gel digestion of separated proteins, wherein the gels contain around 0.1 percent of SDS, tend to have poor recovery using either ZipTips columns or microcolumns. Additionally, aspiration of samples through the packed bed of the ZipTips column often results in sample loss. [0006] Moreover, the application of ZipTips pipette columns in concentrating a sample (>1.5 .mu.L) is severely limited. The limitations articulated for ZipTips columns equally apply to microcolumn preparations. In order to effectuate the concentration of a sample using either ZipTips columns or a microcolumn, multiple steps of passing a sample through one of these devices must occur. As this reiteration occurs, progressively more sample can be lost resulting in poor recovery. Further, aspirating a sample through a ZipTips columns or microcolumn often results in air being introduced into the packing bed resulting in poor retention/recovery of the analytes of interest. [0007] A further issue encountered by practitioners in this field is difficulty in manipulating microliter volumes through ZipTips columns or a microcolumn with the concomitant loss of sample. [0008] Currently there is a need for a sample preparation device that effectively removes contaminants from the sample, concentrates the sample and permits easy manipulation of small volumes of liquid. The present invention addresses the aforementioned issues and provides a solution that effectively eliminates concerns present in the prior art. SUMMARY [0009] The present invention pertains to a sample preparation plate used to prepare a sample for mass spectrometric analysis. In particular, the instant invention pertains to a sample plate used to concentrate a sample as well as remove contaminants from the sample while providing easy manipulation of small liquid droplets on a surface with minimal sample loss. [0010] In one embodiment, a sample plate for mass spectrometry analysis, comprising a platform is disclosed. In this embodiment, the platform is composed of a planar substrate. The substrate comprises regions of hydrophobicity and regions of hydrophilicity. The hydrophilic regions are target regions for receiving a liquid sample droplet. [0011] In one embodiment, a sample plate for mass spectrometry analysis comprising a platform is disclosed. In this embodiment, the platform is composed of a substrate in which one or more wells are disposed therein. Each of these wells has a hydrophobic wall region and a hydrophilic basal region is disclosed. These wells are for receiving sample. [0012] In another embodiment, a method of preparing a sample for mass spectrometric analysis is disclosed. This method involves providing a sample plate of the present invention. A liquid sample is then applied to a hydrophilic locus along a planar substrate comprising hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Alternatively, the liquid sample is applied to a well within the sample plate comprising a plurality of wells. The sample is then permitted to dry such that any residual sample material is concentrated within the hydrophobic well. [0013] In one particular aspect of this embodiment, a droplet of solvent is added to a sample plate where solvent is added to the dried sample and is then transferred to a conductively-coated pulled-tip borosilicate glass capillary for static nanospray analysis. [0014] In another particular aspect of this embodiment, a droplet of solvent is added to the dried sample residing on the sample plate. The liquid sample is then transferred onto a MALDI target plate. Once on the target plate, a MALDI matrix is then added in preparation for MALDI MS analysis. This also applies to cases where the UV absorbing molecule is covalently bonded to the surface and thus an integral part of the substrate. Alternatively, a DIOS (Direct Ionization On Silicon) procedure can be used where a porous or non-porous silicon substrate is the matrix. [0015] In yet another aspect of this embodiment, a droplet of solvent is applied to the dried sample. Then the liquid sample is transferred to a sample vial for further analysis. Further analysis can include, but is not limited by subjecting the sample to LC/MS. Additionally, the sample can be subjected to nanospray, automated nanospray, MALDI and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] FIG. 1 (a) is one embodiment of the present invention, (b) depicts an individual well; [0017] FIG. 2 is another embodiment wherein the substrate is a planar structure, (a) depicts one aspect of the present embodiment, and (b) is a side perspective of this embodiment; [0018] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the present invention that employs a robotic device; and Continue reading about Sample preparation plate for mass spectrometry... 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