FAQ | Transfer plate Poropare™

Basic characteristics
Purchasing and services
Usage environment
How to use

Basic characteristics

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What does Poropare consist of?	Poropare basically consists of a porous plate formed of glass beads approximately 50 μm in size and having an ionization-assist platinum layer on its effective surface.
What are the external and active surface sizes of Poropare?	Poropare has the external dimensions of 52 mm by 16 mm, and the minimum effective surface size in the center of the plate is 47 mm by 11 mm. The platinum membrane is also deposited on the outer edge to ensure electrical continuity with the adapter.
What is the maximum molecular weight detectable by matrix-free measurement?	Although depending on the sample, there are reports of polymeric materials such as polyethylene glycol being detected at up to about m/z 2000. But it is difficult to detect macromolecules such as proteins.
What is the spatial resolution for mass spectrometry imaging?	Although depending on the mass spectrometer performance and measurement conditions, the spatial resolution is limited to about a 50 μm pitch due to the Poropare structure. Moisture bleeding will affect the spatial resolution when transferring samples with a high moisture content.
Are there any particular features in results from mass spectrometry using Poropare?	If added protons are not being detected, these might be detected as Na or K. Also, Na ions in particular tend to easily be added.
Can I use Poropare in ways (droplet analysis) like a general SALDI substrate rather than imaging?	You can use in that way, but unlike with ordinary substrates, analyte will penetrate into Poropare internally, making it difficult for analyte to concentrate on the surface.
Can Poropare be reused repeatedly?	During MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, ablation of platinum layer occurs at the measurement points. Loss of the platinum layer will impair required functions so that each Poropare can be used only once.

Purchasing and services

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Where can I purchase Poropare?	For detailed information, please contact the JEOL sales office in your country.
Can I obtain a type with specifications different from the currently available Poropare (with different sizes or specifications presented at the conference)?	Currently, only Poropare lineup products are available for sale. Please note that some external presentations include results obtained using developmental products. If making requests for customizing, please consult us from here. We may not be able to accept requests for a small number of products, but we will use your information as a reference for future product development.
Do you accept new business or collaborative development related to Poropare?	We are always open to business projects and partners that contribute to the promotion and wide-spread use of Poropare. Please contact us from here.

Usage environment

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Is there a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer you recommend for use with Poropare?	We recommend the JEOL JMS-S3000 SpiralTOF™ series for use with Poropare. The dedicated adapter for Poropare (PN: 834704781) is also provided and is approved for use with Poropare.
Can Poropare be used with other than recommended MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers?	If using Poropare with a mass spectrometer other than recommended, please consult with the mass spectrometer manufacturer. In that case, we will not be held liable for any damage or loss arising from use of Poropare.
Are there any accessories required for using Poropare?	Using Poropare requires a dedicated adapter and conductive tape such as carbon tape for mounting and ensuring electrical continuity with the adapter.
What should I know about the dedicated adapter?	This adapter has a concave portion designed to match the size of Poropare and is available from JEOL for use with the JMS-S3000 SpiralTOF™ series. Poropare is about 1 mm thick, so avoid trying to use Poropare by attaching it to a target plate or glass slide.

How to use

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What types of samples are suitable for transfer?	Moisture-containing samples (such as plants) are suitable for transfer because of the absorbency provided by Poropare. Samples with moderate softness such as resin and rubber tend to easily make contact with the Poropare effective surface. Please note that suitability varies from sample to sample and so is not limited to the above.
Is it possible to transfer samples that do not contain moisture?	Yes, this is possible. There are cases where dried stains on a film could be transferred.
What should I do if it is difficult to transfer by physical contact alone?	Solvent extraction on the Poropare surface is effective. There are cases where transfer efficiency was improved by pre-applying solvent onto the Poropare surface. In those cases, note that the spatial resolution is reduced at the same time.
Can I measure XX using Poropare? Other questions such as “how can I measure XX using Poropare?”	To obtain the desired results, it may be necessary to make a comprehensive review including not only the Poropare characteristics but also the device setup. We do not provide measurement support for individual samples.