Research progress on nanomaterial-based matrices for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis.

• This review highlights the recent advances of nanomaterial-based matrices for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). • Then, it addresses the potential applications, advantages and disadvantages of various matrix. • Finally, it gives the perspectives on future exploration in nano-matrix. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a novel soft ionization bio-mass spectrometry technology emerging in the 1980s, which can realize rapid detection of non-volatile, highly polar, and thermally unstable macromolecules. However, the analysis of small molecular compounds has been a major problem for MALDI-TOF MS all the time. In the MALDI analysis process based on traditional matrices, large numbers of interference peaks in the low molecular weight area and "sweet spots" phenomenon are produced, so the detection method needs to be further optimized. The promotion of matrix means the improvement of MALDI performance. In recent years, many new nanomaterial-based matrices have been successfully applied to the analysis of small molecular compounds, which makes MALDI applicable to a wider range of detection and useful in more fields such as pharmacy and environmental science. In this paper, the newly developed MALDI matrix categories in recent years are reviewed initially. Meanwhile, the potential applications, advantages and disadvantages of various matrices are analyzed. Finally, the future development prospects of nanomaterial-based matrices are also prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]