| Summary: | Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is a soft ionization method used in mass spectrometry that is important for the analysis of biomolecules and large synthetic molecules. However, it is difficult to use MALDI for the analysis of small molecules because the matrix ions interfere with their analysis. Several surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) mass spectrometry methods have been developed as a solution to this problem. In this thesis, polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites containing halloysite nanoclay, hydroxyapatite, magnesium oxide, montmorillonite nanoclay, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, titanium dioxide, and graphitized carbon black (GCB) nanoparticles were examined as surfaces for SALDI. The intensities of the signals of three human medicines: acebutolol, carbamazepine, and propranolol, obtained from these surfaces were compared to the signal intensities obtained from stainless steel MALDI plate without use of any matrix. The signal intensity was only enhanced when nanocomposites containing 30% GCB, 10% silicon nitride, and 10% titanium dioxide nanoparticles and analytes in concentration of 150 ppm were used. These results, together with the fact that PLA is a biodegradable polymer and can be obtained from renewable resources, make these materials potential...
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