Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation, an experience

MALDI, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation has been a success, no doubt. Together with ESI, electrospray ionization it has revolutionized the analysis of macromolecules from identification to function, the former a key element, e.g. in proteomics, the latter partially still a dream, a not so unrealistic one, though. Thousands of MALDI instruments can be found in research as well as in industrial laboratories all around the globe and even more scientists and developers find it useful in the pursuit of their diverse projects. Once discussed in little attended sessions outside the prime time it is now one of the centers of attention and discussion in literally all conferences on mass spectrometry and increasingly so also on bioanalytics. Yes, MALDI has come of age! (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.