Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal: Metabolites

Volume number: 11

Issue number: 9

eISSN: 2218-1989

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11090624

Publisher: MDPI

Abstract: 
Applications of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), especially matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) in the life sciences are becoming increasingly focused on single cell analysis. With the latest instrumental developments, pixel sizes in the micrometer range can be obtained, leading to challenges in matrix application, where imperfections or inhomogeneities in the matrix layer can lead to misinterpretation of MS images. Thereby, the application of premanufactured, homogeneous ionization-assisting devices is a promising approach. Tissue sections were investigated using a matrix-free imaging technique (Desorption Ionization Using Through-Hole Alumina Membrane, DIUTHAME) based on premanufactured nanostructured membranes to be deposited on top of a tissue section, in comparison to the spray-coating of an organic matrix in a MALDI MSI approach. Atmospheric pressure MALDI MSI ion sources were coupled to orbital trapping mass spectrometers. MS signals obtained by the different ionization techniques were annotated using accurate-mass-based database research. Compared to MALDI MSI, DIUTHAME MS images captivated with higher signal homogeneities, higher contrast and reduced background signals, while signal intensities were reduced by about one order of magnitude, independent of analyte class. DIUTHAME membranes, being applicable only on tissue sections thicker than 50 mu m, were successfully used for mammal, insect and plant tissue with a high lateral resolution down to 5 mu m.

Harvard Citation style: Müller, M., Bhandari, D. and Spengler, B. (2021) Matrix-Free High-Resolution Atmospheric-Pressure SALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Biological Samples Using Nanostructured DIUTHAME Membranes, Metabolites, 11(9), Article 624. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11090624

APA Citation style: Müller, M., Bhandari, D., & Spengler, B. (2021). Matrix-Free High-Resolution Atmospheric-Pressure SALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Biological Samples Using Nanostructured DIUTHAME Membranes. Metabolites. 11(9), Article 624. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11090624