2.3. Venom MALDI-TOF-MS fingerprinting
MALDI-TOF-MS analyses were carried out on an Ultraflex
TOF–TOF mass spectrometer operated in positive reflector mode
(m/z 480–5000) under the control of the FlexControl 2.2 software
(Bruker, Bremen, Germany). Samples (listed in Supplementary
Data 2) were deposited on a 384 AnchorChip 600 plate using an
affinity method based on manufacturer’s guide to sample preparation.
External calibration was carried out and checked in the 700–
3500 Da mass range with an error 50 ppm.
The FlexAnalysis 2.2 software (Bruker) was used for data processing
and analysis. Only the best representative mass spectrum
of each venom was selected for data interpretation, i.e. the one
with the highest number of signals and the best signal-to-noise
ratio.