ABSTRACTMatrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy (MALDI-MS) is the most important technique of MS to analyze polymer systems. It isa special case of MS using specific sample preparation methods and low fluence laser desorption to create the analyte ions. This technique is basedupon an ultraviolet absorbing matrix. The matrix and the polymer are mixed at a molecular level in an appropriate solvent. The solvent helps preventaggregation of the polymer. The sample matrix mixture is placed on the sample probe tip, under vacuum conditions; the solvent is removed, leaving cocrystallizedpolymer molecules homogenously dispersed within matrix molecules. When the pulsed laser beam is tuned to the appropriate frequency,the energy is transferred to the matrix which is partially vaporized, carrying intact polymer into the vapor phase and charging the polymer chains inthe linear time of flight (TOF) analyzer. This review includes the detailed information of MALDI-MS, MALDI-TOF.Keywords: Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy, Principle, Sample preparation techniques, Matrix assisted laser desorptionionization - time of flight, Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization - mass spectrometric imaging, Applications
