A flexible and multifunctional metal–organic framework as a matrix for analysis of small molecules using laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract

A variety of functional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared via a universal method and served as matrices in small molecule analysis using laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Among them, cysteine-MOF was found to be a multifunctional composite as an excellent matrix and an efficient adsorbent for N-glycans due to its high hydrophilicity, low background interference and unique size-exclusion effect.