Imperial scientists have developed a new approach for using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry (MS) that overcomes the current challenges with using MALDI methodologies such as the large number of steps required and biosafety concerns. The new methodology - which is fast (<10 mins), highly sensitive, and can be performed using standard commercially available instruments - detects the surface-exposed, species-specific lipids on the surface of intact mycobacteria, without the need for sample preparation. The method is being used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes TB), drug resistance and discriminate mycobacteria belonging to the so called Mtb complex, a task not been achieved using current MALDI technologies.
The Imperial research leads for MALDI-ToF are Dr Gerald Larrouy-Maumus, Professor Francis Drobniewski.
