Carbon nanotube substrates enhance SARS-CoV-2 spike protein ion yields in matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization mass spectrometry

Nanostructured surfaces enhance ion yields in matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The spike protein complex, S1, is one fingerprint signature of Sars-CoV-2 with a 75 kDa. Here, we show that MALDI-MS ions the 100 kDa range are enhanced 50-fold when matrix–analyte solution placed on substrates coated dense forest multi-walled carbon nanotubes, compared to from uncoated substrates. can support development techniques for sensitive pathogen detection and environmental monitoring.