Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) treated with phosphoric acid were used to improve sequence coverage in protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). Sample solution of tryptic peptides from proteins was mixed with the MNPs, and the MNPs were separated from the supernatant using a magnet. MALDI mass spectra obtained separately from the supernatant and the MNPs were distinctly different and complementary to each other. Combination of the two spectra led to a significantly increased sequence coverage.