Optimalizace MALDI-TOF hmotnostní spektrometrie pro detekci plastových částic

Microplastics pose a global threat to the environment, but there is still a lack of an effective way to detect them. This work focuses on the creation of a new method of identifying and quantifying microplastics using mass spectrometry (MS) using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) in conjunction with a time-of-flight analyser (TOF). This work optimised factors influencing measurements such as laser energy, matrix type (M), analyte (A), cationising agent (C) and their ratio. Peaks corresponding to polystyrene and the weight differences due to the molecular mass of the monomers were identified under optimal conditions. This work represents one of the first attempts to create a method of quantification using MALDI-TOF MS for the analysis of microplastics in environmental samples. The proposed method can not only provide an effective tool for analysing microplastics, but can also inspire future studies on the distribution and transformation of microplastics in situ in environmental and biological samples.