Maldi ion analysis system, controller for controlling maldi ion analyzer, and control method for controlling maldi ion analyzer

Abstract

To improve ionization efficiency in the case of using a MALDI ion source using, as a matrix agent, material that does not crystallize in a thin film shape.SOLUTION: A MALDI ion analysis system 10 comprises: a camera 52 for imaging a matrix mixture MM that is formed on a sample plate SP and is obtained by mixing a sample with matrix material that does not crystallize in a thin film shape; a stage position adjustment unit 51 for adjusting a position of a stage 50 on which the sample plate SP is mounted; a laser 53 for irradiating the matrix mixture MM on the sample plate SP with laser light; a position registration unit 104 for registering a position irradiated with the laser light with a storage unit; and an irradiated position output unit 106 for outputting, on a display 15, the stored position superposed on a picture of the matrix mixture MM imaged by the camera 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a MALDI ion analysis system, and to an apparatus and method for controlling an analytical instrument that performs MALDI ion analysis. [Background technology]

[0002] Matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI) is one of the methods for ionizing sample molecules used in mass spectrometers. In MALDI, a mixed solution of a sample and a substance that easily absorbs laser light (a matrix agent) is dropped onto the wells of a sample plate. After the solvent evaporates, a mixture of the matrix agent and / or sample molecules (hereafter referred to as the matrix mixture) is formed, and the sample molecules are ionized by irradiating the mixture with laser light. Alternatively, either the matrix solution or a solution containing sample molecules is dropped onto the wells of the sample plate first, and after one solution dries, the other solution is dropped to redissolve the matrix and obtain the matrix mixture. The ion source that generates ions using the MALDI method is called a MALDI ion source.

[0003] In the MALDI method, the mixture state of the matrix agent and / or sample molecules is often not uniformly distributed across the wells, which can lead to variations in ionization efficiency depending on the position of the matrix mixture in the wells of the sample plate where the laser light is irradiated. Patent Document 1 below discloses a method of irradiating a MALDI ion source with laser light using a measurement technique called raster measurement. In raster measurement, multiple measurement points are set on the matrix mixture, for example, in a grid pattern, and laser light is irradiated to each measurement point in sequence to ionize the sample molecules at each measurement point. In a mass spectrometer using a MALDI ion source (MALDI-MS), the mass spectral data obtained at each measurement point is integrated to obtain final mass spectral data. This allows for the acquisition of mass spectral data that is free of the effects of variations in ionization efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-174597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, it is possible to sequentially irradiate a laser beam onto a plurality of measurement points set in a matrix mixture by performing raster measurement. Here, Patent Document 1 assumes that the matrix mixture, which is a mixture of a matrix agent and a liquid sample containing sample molecules, has a roughly circular area on the well of a sample plate.

[0006] For example, when a matrix agent that crystallizes into a thin film, such as CHCA (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid), is used, the matrix mixture generally has a circular area on the well, so ions of sample molecules can be obtained from multiple measurement points by automatic scanning using raster measurement.

[0007] However, when a matrix agent that does not crystallize into a thin film, such as DHB (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid), is used, the matrix mixture region may have a complex shape, and automatic scanning may not be able to improve ionization efficiency.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to improve ionization efficiency when using a MALDI ion source that uses a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film as a matrix agent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A MALDI ion analysis system according to one aspect of the present invention is a MALDI ion analysis system for analyzing a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, and includes: a camera that captures an image of a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film and the sample; a stage position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; a laser that irradiates the matrix mixture on the sample plate with laser light; a position registration unit that registers the position irradiated by the laser light in a memory unit; and an irradiation position output unit that superimposes the stored position on an image of the matrix mixture captured by the camera and outputs it to a display.

[0010] A control device for controlling a MALDI ion analysis device according to another aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling an analysis device that analyzes a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, and includes an image acquisition unit that acquires from the analysis device an image of a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film and the sample; a stage control unit that gives control instructions to a stage position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the stage on which the sample plate is placed; a position registration unit that registers in a memory unit the position irradiated with laser light in the analysis device; and an irradiation position output unit that superimposes the stored position on the image of the matrix mixture acquired by the image acquisition unit and outputs it to a display.

[0011] A method for controlling an analytical device that analyzes a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization according to another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring, from the analytical device, an image of a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film and the sample; issuing a control instruction to a stage position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; registering, in a memory unit, the position at which the laser light is irradiated in the analytical device; and outputting, on a display, the stored position superimposed on the acquired image of the matrix mixture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when a MALDI ion source using a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film as a matrix agent is used, the ionization efficiency can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view of a MALDI ion analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a MALDI mass spectrometer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a matrix mixture when a substance that crystallizes into a thin film is used as a matrix agent. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a matrix mixture in which a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film is used as a matrix agent. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a laser irradiation position displayed on a display. [Figure 9]4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a laser irradiation position displayed on a display. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of analysis information displayed on a display. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows an extraction area of ​​a matrix mixture displayed on a display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Next, a MALDI ion analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an apparatus and method for controlling an analyzer that performs MALDI ion analysis, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] (1) Overall configuration of the MALDI ion analysis system FIG. 1 is an overall view of a MALDI ion analysis system 10 according to the present embodiment. The MALDI ion analysis system 10 includes a mass spectrometer 5 and a control device 1 that controls the mass spectrometer 5. The mass spectrometer 5 and the control device 1 are connected via a network 7 such as a LAN. The mass spectrometer 5 is an apparatus that performs mass analysis of a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization. The mass spectrometer 5 is an example of the "analytical apparatus" of the present invention.

[0016] (2) Mass spectrometer configuration 2 is a block diagram of a mass spectrometer 5 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the mass spectrometer 5 is a MALDI-MS (MALDI-Mass Spectrometer) that performs mass analysis of a sample by ionizing sample molecules using a MALDI ion source.

[0017] 2, the mass spectrometer 5 includes a stage 50, a stage position adjustment unit 51, a camera 52, a laser 53, a mass analysis unit 54, and a control unit 57. The control unit 57 controls the operations of the stage position adjustment unit 51, the camera 52, the laser 53, and the mass analysis unit 54. The mass analysis unit 54 is, for example, a time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) and detects ions in a vacuum using a detector.

[0018] A sample plate SP is placed on the stage 50. A mixed solution of a matrix substance (matrix agent) and a sample to be analyzed is dripped onto the sample plate SP, and after the solvent evaporates, a mixture of the matrix agent and / or sample molecules (hereinafter referred to as a matrix mixture MM) is formed. Alternatively, either the matrix solution or a solution containing sample molecules is dripped onto the wells of the sample plate SP first, and after one solution dries, the other solution is dripped, thereby redissolving the matrix and forming a matrix mixture MM. The stage 50 can be moved within a horizontal plane by driving the stage position adjustment unit 51. The position of the sample plate SP placed on the stage 50 can be adjusted within the horizontal plane by adjusting the position of the stage 50 within the horizontal plane.

[0019] The camera 52 captures an image of the matrix mixture formed on the sample plate SP. The image captured by the camera 52 is sent to the control device 1 via the control unit 57. The laser 53 irradiates the matrix mixture formed on the sample plate SP with laser light. For example, a nitrogen laser or a YAG laser is used as the laser 53.

[0020] The matrix material has the property of absorbing, for example, ultraviolet light, such as nitrogen laser light, and converting it into thermal energy. When the matrix mixture MM is irradiated with the laser light, a portion of the matrix material is rapidly heated and vaporized together with the sample molecules. This results in ionized sample molecules. The ionized sample molecules are subjected to mass analysis in the mass analysis unit 54.

[0021] (3) Control device configuration The control device 1 of this embodiment is configured by a computer such as a personal computer. The control device 1 is an example of a "control device for controlling a MALDI ion analyzer" according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, an operation unit 14, a display 15, a storage device 16, a communication interface (I / F) 17, and a device interface (I / F) 18.

[0022] The CPU 11 performs overall control of the control device 1. The RAM 12 is used as a work area when the CPU 11 executes a program. The ROM 13 stores various data, programs, etc. The operation unit 14 accepts input operations by the user. The operation unit 14 includes a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The display 15 displays various information such as an image of the matrix mixture MM formed on the sample plate SP and analytical information. The memory device 16 is a storage medium such as a hard disk. The memory device 16 stores the program P1, position information PD, and analytical information AD. The memory device 16 is an example of the "memory unit" in the present invention.

[0023] The communication interface 17 is an interface for performing wired or wireless communication with other computers. The control device 1 transmits and receives data to and from the control unit 57 of the mass spectrometer 5 via the communication interface 17 and the network 7. The device interface 18 is an interface for accessing a storage medium 19 such as a CD, DVD, or semiconductor memory.

[0024] (4) Function of the control device FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the control unit 100 is a functional unit realized by the CPU 11 executing the program P1 while using the RAM 12 as a work area. The control unit 100 includes an image acquisition unit 101, a stage control unit 102, an irradiation instruction unit 103, a position registration unit 104, a position readout unit 105, an irradiation position output unit 106, a region output unit 107, and an analysis information output unit 108. In other words, the image acquisition unit 101, the stage control unit 102, the irradiation instruction unit 103, the position registration unit 104, the position readout unit 105, the irradiation position output unit 106, the region output unit 107, and the analysis information output unit 108 are functional units realized by the execution of the program P1. In other words, each of the functional units 101 to 108 can be said to be a functional unit included in the CPU 11.

[0025] The image acquisition unit 101 acquires an image of the matrix mixture MM on the sample plate SP captured by the camera 52 of the mass spectrometer 5. The stage control unit 102 controls the driving of the stage position adjustment unit 51 of the mass spectrometer 5. The stage control unit 102 controls the stage position adjustment unit 51 via the control unit 57 of the mass spectrometer 5. The irradiation instruction unit 103 controls the operation of the laser 53 of the mass spectrometer 5. The irradiation instruction unit 103 controls the laser 53 via the control unit 57 of the mass spectrometer 5.

[0026] The position registration unit 104 stores the irradiation position (coordinates) of the laser light irradiated by the laser 53 as position information PD in the storage device 16. The position reading unit 105 reads out the position information PD stored in the storage device 16.

[0027] The irradiation position output unit 106 superimposes the past irradiation positions of the laser light on the image of the matrix mixture MM acquired by the image acquisition unit 101 and outputs the superimposed image to the display 15. The irradiation position output unit 106 outputs the irradiation positions of the laser light to the display 15 based on the position information PD stored in the storage device 16.

[0028] The region output unit 107 extracts a region of the matrix mixture MM based on the image of the matrix mixture MM acquired by the image acquisition unit 101. The region output unit 107 superimposes an image showing the extracted region of the matrix mixture MM on the image of the matrix mixture MM acquired by the image acquisition unit 101 and outputs the image to the display 15.

[0029] The analytical information output unit 108 reads out the analytical information AD stored in the storage device 16 and outputs the analytical information AD to the display 15. The analytical information output unit 108 outputs the analytical information AD to the display 15 alongside the image of the matrix mixture MM acquired by the image acquisition unit 101.

[0030] The program P1 will be described as being stored in the storage device 16 as an example. In another embodiment, the program P1 may be provided by being stored in the storage medium 19. The CPU 11 may access the storage medium 19 via the device interface 18 and store the program P1 stored in the storage medium 19 in the storage device 16 or the ROM 13. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may access the storage medium 19 via the device interface 18 and execute the program P1 stored in the storage medium 19. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may download the program P1 stored in a server on the network via the communication interface 17. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may execute the program P1 stored in a server on the network via the communication interface 17.

[0031] (5) Matrix material Next, the properties of the matrix substance will be explained. Matrix substances used in the MALDI method include substances that crystallize into a thin film and substances that do not crystallize into a thin film. When a substance that crystallizes into a thin film is used as the matrix substance, the region of the matrix mixture MM formed on the sample plate SP will have a roughly circular shape, as shown in Figure 5. Examples of matrix substances that crystallize into a thin film include CHCA (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid).

[0032] In contrast, when a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film is used as the matrix substance, the region of the matrix mixture MM formed on the sample plate SP often has a complex shape, as shown in FIG. 6. Examples of matrix substances that do not crystallize into a thin film include needle-shaped crystalline materials. Specific examples of matrix substances that do not crystallize into a thin film include DHB (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid). The MALDI ion analysis system 10 of this embodiment is particularly effective in analytical processing using the MALDI method, which uses a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0033] (6) Control method Next, a control method for controlling the MALDI ion analyzer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10. Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 are flowcharts showing the processing executed by the control device 1. Specifically, these flowcharts are realized by the CPU 11 of the control device 1 executing the program P1 while using hardware resources such as the RAM 12.

[0034] (6-1) Displaying irradiation position history First, the function of displaying the history of the laser light irradiation position will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In step S1, the image acquisition unit 101 of the control device 1 acquires an image captured by the camera 52 of the mass spectrometer 5. The image captured by the camera 52 is an image of a matrix mixture MM formed on a sample plate SP, which is a mixture of a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film and a sample.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an image of the matrix mixture MM displayed on the display 15. As described above, in this embodiment, the matrix substance used in the MALDI method is a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film. For this reason, as shown in IMG1 of Fig. 8, the matrix mixture MM displayed on the display 15 does not have a circular, expanding area, but rather has a slightly complex shape. In the center of the display area of ​​the matrix mixture MM, a cross cursor CP indicates the irradiation position of the laser light.

[0036] In step S2, the stage control unit 102 determines whether or not an instruction to adjust the position of the sample plate SP has been received. The user operates the operation unit 14 of the control device 1 to instruct the stage control unit 102 to move the stage 50 of the mass spectrometer 5. The user instructs the stage control unit 102 to move the stage 50 in the horizontal plane so that the position on the region of the matrix mixture MM to be irradiated with the laser light coincides with the cross cursor CP. If an instruction to adjust the position of the sample plate SP has not been received from the user, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0037] When an instruction to adjust the position of the sample plate SP is received from the user, in step S3 the stage control unit 102 transmits an instruction to control the stage 50 to the stage position adjustment unit 51 of the mass spectrometer 5. In response to this instruction, the stage position adjustment unit 51 moves the stage 50 within the horizontal plane. This adjusts the position of the sample plate SP placed on the stage 50 within the horizontal plane. IMG2 in FIG. 8 shows how the sample plate SP has moved compared to IMG1, and how the position of the matrix mixture MM displayed on the display 15 has also moved.

[0038] Next, in step S4, the irradiation instructing unit 103 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to irradiate laser light. The user issues an instruction to irradiate laser light to the irradiation instructing unit 103 by operating the operation unit 14 of the control device 1. If an instruction to irradiate laser light is not received from the user, the process returns to step S2.

[0039] Upon receiving a laser beam irradiation instruction from the user, in step S5, the irradiation instruction unit 103 transmits a laser beam control instruction to the laser 53 of the mass spectrometer 5. In response to this instruction, the laser 53 irradiates the matrix mixture MM formed on the sample plate SP with laser beam. The user adjusts the position of the sample plate SP and issues a laser beam irradiation instruction when the position within the matrix mixture MM to be irradiated with laser beam coincides with the cross cursor CP. For example, the user issues a laser beam irradiation instruction in the state indicated by IMG3 in FIG. 8 . As described above, in the MALDI ion analysis system 10 of this embodiment, the matrix mixture MM is not irradiated with laser beam by raster measurement, but rather the laser beam is irradiated to a position designated by the user through user operation. In other words, since the matrix agent used in this embodiment does not crystallize into a thin film, ionization efficiency may be reduced if laser beam is irradiated by automatic scanning. Therefore, the user operates the operation unit 14 to visually designate the laser beam irradiation position.

[0040] In step S5, the irradiation instruction unit 103 instructs the laser 53 to irradiate with laser light, and in step S6, the position registration unit 104 stores position information PD indicating the irradiation position (coordinates) of the laser light in the storage device 16. The position registration unit 104 monitors the movement direction and movement amount of the stage 50 instructed by the stage control unit 102, and based on this information, acquires the irradiation position of the laser light on the matrix mixture MM as position information PD.

[0041] When the position information PD is stored by the position registration unit 104, the position readout unit 105 reads out the position information PD from the storage device 16 and provides the position information PD to the irradiation position output unit 106. As a result, in step S7, the irradiation position output unit 106 displays the irradiation position pointer HP on the display 15, superimposed on the image of the matrix mixture MM. IMG3 in Fig. 8 shows the irradiation position pointer HP displayed at the irradiation position of the laser light.

[0042] In this way, in response to user operations, the control device 1 repeats steps S2 to S7 of the flowchart in Fig. 7 to control the movement of the stage 50, control the irradiation of the laser light, and display the irradiation position pointer HP. Images 4 and 5 in Fig. 8 show how the stage 50 has moved from the state in IMG3, and how the position of the cross cursor CP has moved. Then, in IMG5, the user again instructs to irradiate the laser light, and in IMG6, the irradiation position pointer HP is additionally displayed.

[0043] As described above, in the MALDI ion analysis system 10 of this embodiment, the position of the irradiated laser beam in response to a user operation is displayed superimposed on the image of the matrix mixture MM. This allows the user to intuitively grasp the irradiation range of the laser beam. The user can find the optimal irradiation conditions while visually checking the past irradiation positions and densities.

[0044] (6-2) Movement to a previous irradiation position Next, the function of moving to a previous irradiation position of the laser beam will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. First, as shown in IMG7 of Figure 10, it is assumed that two irradiation position pointers HP are superimposed on the image of the matrix mixture MM. Therefore, position information PD corresponding to these two irradiation position pointers HP is stored in the storage device 16.

[0045] In step S11, the stage control unit 102 determines whether or not an instruction to move to a previous irradiation position has been received. The user operates the operation unit 14 to issue an instruction to move the sample plate SP to a previous irradiation position. Here, it is assumed that the user issues an instruction to move to a previous irradiation position in the state shown by IMG8 in FIG. 10. The user can specify the irradiation position pointer HP to which they wish to move by, for example, using a pointing device such as a mouse to select the irradiation position pointer HP displayed on the display 15. Alternatively, a list of irradiation position pointers HP may be displayed on the display 15, allowing the user to specify one irradiation position pointer HP from the list.

[0046] In response to a user's instruction to move the sample plate SP to a previous irradiation position, in step S12, the position readout unit 105 reads out position information PD corresponding to the specified previous irradiation position from the storage device 16. The position readout unit 105 provides the read out position information PD to the stage control unit 102.

[0047] In step S13, the stage control unit 102 sends a control instruction for the stage 50 to the stage position adjustment unit 51 based on the position information PD. In response to this control instruction, the stage position adjustment unit 51 moves the stage 50 so that the designated irradiation position pointer HP coincides with the irradiation position of the laser light. In other words, the stage position adjustment unit 51 moves the stage 50 so that the designated irradiation position pointer HP coincides with the cross cursor CP. IMG9 in Figure 10 shows an image of the matrix mixture MM in a state where the stage 50 has been moved so that the designated irradiation position pointer HP coincides with the irradiation position of the laser light.

[0048] As described above, the MALDI ion analysis system 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a function for moving to a previous irradiation position of the laser beam. The user can easily measure a specific region of the sample again by selecting an irradiation position pointer HP indicating a previous irradiation position. This is also effective when a specific region includes measurement points with different concentrations, and each measurement point needs to be reanalyzed. This is also effective when, after measurements at multiple irradiation positions, the user needs to select a measurement position with a relatively high ionization efficiency of the sample molecules based on the measurement results. In particular, when a matrix substance that does not form thin-film crystals is used, irradiation positions with high ionization efficiency tend to be highly localized, making selection difficult. Therefore, being able to select an irradiation position with high ionization efficiency for measurement is effective.

[0049] (7) Display of analysis information Next, the display function of the analytical information AD will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the analytical information AD displayed on the display 15. As shown in the figure, the analytical information AD is displayed next to the image of the matrix mixture MM. In the mass spectrometer 5, the matrix mixture MM is irradiated with laser light, and mass analysis processing is performed on the sample in the mass analysis section 54. The control section 100 of the control device 1 obtains the mass analysis results from the control section 57 of the mass spectrometer 5 and stores the analytical information AD in the storage device 16. The control section 100 generates the analytical information AD by associating the irradiation position of the laser light with the mass analysis results.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11 , five irradiation position pointers HP are displayed on the display 15 superimposed on the image of the matrix mixture MM. Mass analysis results corresponding to these five irradiation positions are displayed next to the image of the matrix mixture MM. When the user selects one of the irradiation position pointers HP, the image of the selected irradiation position pointer HP is identifiably displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the selected irradiation position pointer HP is identifiably displayed as a black circle. Furthermore, the analytical information AD corresponding to the selected irradiation position is highlighted. In the example shown in the figure, the analytical information AD corresponding to the selected irradiation position is displayed in a box. This allows the user to confirm positions previously irradiated with laser light and easily confirm the mass analysis results obtained at those positions.

[0051] In Figure 11, the total ion current obtained at each measurement point is displayed as analytical information AD. By referring to this information and taking into account the mass analysis results of the surrounding area, the user can find the optimal irradiation conditions (including the irradiation position).

[0052] (8) Region extraction of matrix mixtures Next, the matrix mixture MM region extraction function will be described. The region output unit 107 shown in FIG. 4 analyzes the image of the matrix mixture MM acquired by the image acquisition unit 101 and extracts the region of the matrix mixture MM within the image. The region output unit 107 can extract the region of the matrix mixture MM, for example, by performing well-known image recognition processing. FIG. 12 shows an image of the matrix mixture MM displayed on the display 15. As shown in the figure, the boundary line EL of the matrix mixture MM extracted by the region output unit 107 is superimposed on the image of the matrix mixture MM. As described above, this embodiment assumes the use of a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film as the matrix agent. Therefore, even if the matrix mixture MM has complex regions, the user can easily grasp the region of the matrix mixture MM by referring to the boundary line EL. By referring to the boundary line EL, the user can easily determine the irradiation position of the laser light.

[0053] (9) Other embodiments In the above embodiment, the user can select a previous irradiation position of the laser beam, thereby moving the sample plate SP to that previous irradiation position. As an additional function, when the user operates the mouse pointer on the display 15, a function may be added in which the mouse pointer moves to the irradiation position pointer HP as if gravity were acting when the mouse pointer approaches one of the irradiation position pointers HP.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the control device 1 is connected to the mass spectrometer 5 via the network 7. As another example, the control device 1 may be incorporated into the mass spectrometer 5.

[0055] (10) Mode It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0056] (Section 1) A MALDI ion analysis system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: 1. A MALDI ion analysis system for analyzing a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization, comprising: a camera for photographing a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of the sample and a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film; a stage position adjusting unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; a laser that irradiates the matrix mixture on the sample plate with laser light; a position registration unit that registers the position irradiated with the laser light in a storage unit; an irradiation position output unit that superimposes the stored position on an image of the matrix mixture captured by the camera and outputs the image on a display; Equipped with.

[0057] When a MALDI ion source using a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film as a matrix agent is used, the ionization efficiency can be improved.

[0058] (Section 2) 2. The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1, The irradiation position of the laser light may be determined by a user's operation to give an instruction to move the stage.

[0059] It is possible to confirm the irradiation position of the laser light selected by the user's operation.

[0060] (Section 3) 2. The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1, The matrix material may be a material that forms needle-like crystals.

[0061] Even when the matrix mixture region has a complex shape, the ionization efficiency can be improved.

[0062] (Section 4) 2. The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1, a mass spectrometry unit that analyzes the mass of the sample molecules ionized by the irradiation of the laser light; may further comprise:

[0063] Mass analysis of samples with high ionization efficiency is possible.

[0064] (Section 5) 2. The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1, a position reading unit that reads out the position stored in the storage unit; Furthermore, The stage position adjustment unit may move the stage so that the position read by the position readout unit becomes a laser light irradiation position.

[0065] This is useful when reanalyzing the past laser irradiation position.

[0066] (Section 6) 2. The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1, an analytical information output unit that outputs analytical information measured at the position stored in the storage unit to the display in association with the position; may further comprise:

[0067] The mass analysis results can be checked on the display along with the previous laser light irradiation positions.

[0068] (Section 7) 2. The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1, a region output unit that identifies a region of the matrix mixture based on the image of the matrix mixture captured by the camera, and outputs the identified region to the display by superimposing it on the image of the matrix mixture; may further comprise:

[0069] This is very convenient when selecting the irradiation position of the laser beam.

[0070] (Section 8) A control device for controlling a MALDI ion analyzer according to another aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling an analyzer that analyzes a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, the control device comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires, from the analysis device, an image of a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of the sample and a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film; a stage control unit that issues a control instruction to a stage position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; a position registration unit that registers the position irradiated with the laser light in a memory unit in the analysis device; an irradiation position output unit that superimposes the stored position on the image of the matrix mixture acquired by the image acquisition unit and outputs the image to a display; Equipped with.

[0071] When a MALDI ion source using a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film as a matrix agent is used, the ionization efficiency can be improved.

[0072] (Section 9) A control method for controlling a MALDI ion analyzer according to another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an analyzer that analyzes a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring, from the analysis device, an image of a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of the sample and a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film; a step of giving a control instruction to a stage position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; a step of registering the position irradiated with the laser light in a memory unit in the analysis device; a step of superimposing the stored position on the acquired image of the matrix mixture and outputting the image on a display; Equipped with.

[0073] When a MALDI ion source using a substance that does not crystallize into a thin film as a matrix agent is used, the ionization efficiency can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1: Control device 5:Mass spectrometer 10: MALDI ion analysis system 15: Display 16:Storage device 50: Stage 51: Stage position adjustment unit 52: Camera 53: Laser CP: Cross cursor EL: Boundary line HP: Irradiation position pointer MM: Matrix mixture SP: Sample plate

Claims

1. 1. A MALDI ion analysis system for analyzing a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, comprising: a camera for photographing a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of the sample and a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film; a stage position adjusting unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; a laser that irradiates the matrix mixture on the sample plate with laser light; a position registration unit that registers the position irradiated with the laser light in a storage unit; an irradiation position output unit that superimposes the stored position on an image of the matrix mixture captured by the camera and outputs the image on a display; A MALDI ion analysis system comprising:

2. 2. The MALDI ion analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation position of the laser light is determined by an instruction to move the stage through a user operation.

3. 2. The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1, wherein the matrix material is a material that forms needle-like crystals.

4. a mass spectrometry unit that analyzes the mass of the sample molecules ionized by the irradiation of the laser light; The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1 further comprising:

5. a position reading unit that reads out the position stored in the storage unit; Furthermore, 2. The MALDI ion analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the stage position adjustment unit moves the stage so that the position read out by the position readout unit becomes a laser light irradiation position.

6. an analytical information output unit that outputs analytical information measured at the position stored in the storage unit to the display in association with the position; The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1 further comprising:

7. a region output unit that identifies a region of the matrix mixture based on the image of the matrix mixture captured by the camera, and outputs the identified region to the display by superimposing it on the image of the matrix mixture; The MALDI ion analysis system of claim 1 further comprising:

8. A control device for controlling an analytical device for analyzing a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, an image acquisition unit that acquires, from the analysis device, an image of a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of the sample and a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film; a stage control unit that issues a control instruction to a stage position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; a position registration unit that registers the position irradiated with the laser light in a memory unit in the analysis device; an irradiation position output unit that superimposes the stored position on the image of the matrix mixture acquired by the image acquisition unit and outputs the image to a display; A control device for controlling a MALDI ion analysis device comprising:

9. 1. A method for controlling an analytical instrument for analyzing a sample ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, comprising: acquiring, from the analysis device, an image of a matrix mixture formed on a sample plate, the matrix mixture being a mixture of the sample and a matrix substance that does not crystallize into a thin film; a step of giving a control instruction to a stage position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of a stage on which the sample plate is placed; a step of registering the position irradiated with the laser light in a memory unit in the analysis device; a step of superimposing the stored position on the acquired image of the matrix mixture and outputting the image on a display; A control method for controlling a MALDI ion analyzer comprising the steps of:

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