During the past decade, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) has become a standard method for identification of bacteria and yeasts. Nonetheless, further optimization of the identification process is important to streamline workflows and save resources. This study evaluated the application of a multipurpose benchtop tool, MBT FAST Shuttle IVD, for accelerated drying of liquid assay components (matrix, formic acid, and/or sample) on a MALDI target. A total of 50 bacterial and fungal isolates were subjected to three different sample preparation procedures prior to the identification by MALDI-TOF MS: direct transfer (DT), extended direct transfer (eDT), and protein extraction (PE). Compared to conventional drying at room temperature, the preparation was performed with standardized heating of the MALDI target on the MBT FAST Shuttle. During DT, eDT, and PE, 56.7% (P < 0.001), 56.8% (P < 0.001), and 52.8% (P < 0.001) of time for matrix drying were saved by using the MBT FAST Shuttle, respectively. Applying the MBT FAST Shuttle, 57.5% (P < 0.001) of time for drying of formic acid were saved for eDT and 57.5% (P < 0.001) of time for sample drying were saved for PE. A significant improvement of the identification rates and scores was observed with MBT FAST Shuttle for eDT (P = 0.001) and PE (P = 0.008) methods, while the effect on identification quality for DT was not statistically significant (P = 0.16). In conclusion, the use of the MBT FAST Shuttle shortened the drying time of assay components by about a half for all preparation methods. Moreover, positive effect on identification success was observed.
Keywords: MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry; acceleration; drying; sample preparation; standardization; workflow.