The present invention relates to an improved method for mass spectrometric analysis, in particular for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) using nanoparticles, where an analyte is added to a nanoparticle suspension, and the suspension containing the bound analyte is then deposited directly on a MALDI sample carrier and investigated by mass spectrometry, and to nanoparticles suitable for this method.