The application of MALDI mass spectrometry to desorb protein biomarkers from intact viruses, bacteria, fungus, and spores is the focus of this review. Instrumentation, sample collection, sample preparation, and algorithms for data analysis are summarized. Optimally these analyses should be carried out in less than five minutes. Successful applications are discussed from biotechnology, cell biology, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.