Feb 27, 2025

Public workspacePreparation of 1,5-DAN Hydrochloride Matrix and Deposition using an HTX M5 sprayer for MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of ATP

  • Andrew Bottrill1
  • 1University of Warwick
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Protocol CitationAndrew Bottrill 2025. Preparation of 1,5-DAN Hydrochloride Matrix and Deposition using an HTX M5 sprayer for MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of ATP. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.261gerywol47/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: February 27, 2025
Last Modified: February 27, 2025
Protocol Integer ID: 123506
Keywords: MALDI, Imaging, Mass Spectrometry, Matrix, Sprayer, DAN, AP-MALDI
Funders Acknowledgements:
Medical Research Council
Grant ID: MR/X013553/1
Abstract
This protocol details the necessary steps for preparing 1,5-diaminonapthalene hydrochloride matrix and spraying onto tissues sections for analysis by MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Guidelines
Please ensure that all procedures are Risk Assessed and that all local chemical handling guidelines are followed. Some of the chemicals used in this protocol are hazardous and users should make themselves aware of these risks and the appropriate handling and safety measures. Always ensure that appropriate PPE is worn in the laboratory environment.
Materials
Specialist Equipment: HTX M5 Sprayer, HTX Imaging
Protocol materials
ReagentHydrochloric Acid
Step 1.1
Reagentwater
Step 1.1
ReagentEthanolP212121Catalog #BE-BDH1156
Step 1.3
Reagent100% methanol
In 4 steps
Safety warnings
Health and Safety:
  1. Safety glasses or goggles, proper gloves, and a lab coat required. The area should be adequately vented and a lab mat placed underneath all solutions.
2. Warning: 1,5-diaminonaphthalene is a category 2 carcinogen.
Ethics statement
None
Prepare 1,5-DAN Hydrochloride Matrix
Prepare 1,5-DAN Hydrochloride Matrix
30m
30m
The hydrochloride derivative of 1,5-diaminonapthalene must be freshly prepared.

30m
Amounts can be adjusted as required, but the following is suitable for 10mL:
Amount500 µL of 1M ReagentHydrochloric AcidContributed by users and Amount4 mL of ReagentwaterContributed by users were sequentially added to Amount39.5 mg of 1,5-diaminonapthalene.

Vortex and Sonicate until completely dissolved
Add Amount4.5 mL ReagentEthanolP212121Catalog #BE-BDH1156

Use immediately for matrix spraying. Do not store, always make a fresh solution.
Autofluorescence Scan
Autofluorescence Scan
1h
1h
Remove slides from the freezer and place in a vacuum desiccator for Duration00:30:00

30m
Scan for autofluorescence on Zeiss Axio Scanner (or similar instrument).
30m
Preparing the HTX Sprayer
Preparing the HTX Sprayer
15m
15m
There are a number of exisiting protocols that describe the HTX M5 sprayer setup (see citation below). The sprayer has a 5mL loop for holding matrix, so you must ensure that you prepare in excess of 5mL of the necessary solution (as in section 1 of this protocol).


CITATION
Angela R.S. Kruse, Martin Dufrense, Jamie Allen, Danielle Gutierrez, Jeff Spraggins. Deposition of matrix using an M5 TM sprayer for high resolution MALDI analysis. protocols.io.


Increase the Nitrogen gas flow to 10 psi, turn on the power supply to the pump, turn on the power supply to the HTX M5 sprayer unit and initialise control via the laptop.
Ensure that the pump is properly purged and flush the sample loop (with the valve in the LOAD position) with at leastAmount10 mL of Reagent100% methanol Contributed by users

5m
Switch the valve to the SPRAY position and allow the pump to flush the line and sprayer-head for Duration00:10:00 at 0.25mL/min. On completion of this step the sprayer is ready-to-use.

10m
Application of the 1,5-DAN hydrochloride matrix to the sample using the sprayer
Application of the 1,5-DAN hydrochloride matrix to the sample using the sprayer
30m
30m
Place the slide onto the base plate of the HTX sprayer and tape down to prevent it being moved about by the nitrogen gas from the Nozzle during spraying.
In the HTX control software select an appropriate 1,5-DAN HCl specific method; this includes the following parameters:

1350mm/min Nozzle Velocity
Temperature40 °C Nozzle Temperature
Temperature70 °C Heated Block Temperature
0.150 mL/min Flow Rate
1.5 mm Track Spacing
"CC" Pattern
40 mm Nozzle Height
0 sec drying time
5 passes


With the Injection Valve in the LOAD position, fill the entire loop with the matrix solution prepared in Section 1. Carefully watch the transparent tubing on the loop outlet line to determine when the loop is full and free of any air bubbles introduced.
Run the selected method from the HTX control software. It will ask you to ensure that you have loaded the matrix (Step 10) and switch the valve to the SPRAY position; do this and confirm in the software. The sprayer will then proceed to spray the sample.
When the run has finished, the software will prompt you to switch the valve to the LOAD position and click continue. The software will show an estimation of the volume of matrix used and the amount remaining if additional slides need spraying.
Remove the slide from the HTX sprayer and place in a slide box. For optimal results data acquisition should be preformed immediately.
Clean Up
Clean Up
10m
10m
Set the nozzle and block temperature to Temperature25 °C

Flush the sample loop (in the LOAD position) with a minimum of Amount20 mL Reagent100% methanol Contributed by users

Flush the line and nozzle (in the SPRAY position) with Amount5 mL Reagent100% methanol Contributed by users - 0.500 mL/min for Duration00:10:00

10m
Wipe down the stage and drain with Reagent100% methanol Contributed by users

Dispose of all chemicals and solvent waste in an appropriate manner.
Shut down the software. Turn off the power to the HTX sprayer, and to the pump. Turn off the nitrogen gas flow.
Citations
Step 4
Angela R.S. Kruse, Martin Dufrense, Jamie Allen, Danielle Gutierrez, Jeff Spraggins. Deposition of matrix using an M5 TM sprayer for high resolution MALDI analysis
https://protocols.io/view/deposition-of-matrix-using-an-m5-tm-sprayer-for-hi-b9wyr7fw