Extended Data Fig. 3: Comparison of MALDI detection sensitivities for encoded amphiphiles.

a,b, S/N values in MALDI characterization of T-00000000-dPEG and T-11111111-dPEG, and MALDI samples were prepared from unimer (THF solution) and micellar state (aqueous dispersion) at varying concentrations (n = 3 independent experiments; data are presented as mean values ± SEM). c,d, MALDI–TOF mass spectra recorded for T-00000000-dPEG and T-11111111-dPEG; MALDI samples were prepared from unimer (THF solution) and micellar state (aqueous dispersion) at 0.5 μg/mL and 1.0 μg/mL, respectively. e,f, MALDI–TOF mass spectra recorded for T-000000-dPEG in the unimer state (THF solution) and (b) micellar state (aqueous dispersion) after coating onto rat spleen tissue slices and applying with DCTB/CF3COONa MALDI matrix. The negligible MS peak area difference indicated that encoded amphiphiles in the micellar NP state could be detected by MALDI with the sensitivity compared to those in the molecularly dissolved state.