Pedodontics

Mass Spectrometry: Protein/Body Fluid Analysis

Principle:

• Technology: Ionization and mass-to-charge ratio analysis
• Applications: Protein/body fluid analysis in dental research
• Sample types: Saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, blood

Dental Applications:

1. Biomarker identification:

   • Periodontal disease markers
   • Caries susceptibility proteins
   • Inflammatory mediators

2. Salivary diagnostics:

   • Disease detection panels
   • Drug level monitoring
   • Hormonal analysis

3. Research applications:

   • Enamel protein analysis
   • Bacterial identification
   • Drug metabolism studies

Advantages:

• High specificity and sensitivity
• Quantitative analysis capability
• Multiple analyte detection
• Low sample volume requirements