Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an important analytical technique that simultaneously reports the spatial location and abundance of detected ions in biological, chemical, clinical, pharmaceutical studies. As MSI grows popularity, it has become evident data reporting varies among different research groups between techniques. The lack consistency inherently creates additional challenges comparing intra- inter-laboratory data. In this tutorial, we propose a unified system, SMART, based on...

The adoption of mass spectrometry for high-throughput screening in drug discovery has become increasingly prevalent and enabled label-free against diverse targets. Cellular assays phenotypic screening, however, are primarily conducted by microscopy as there remain many challenges associated with conducting screens via ultra-high throughput spectrometry. Following a simple on-plate extraction, infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) was employed to...

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of emerging contaminants that have been in use industrially since the 1940s. Their long-term extensive commercial has led to their ubiquitous presence environment. The ability measure bioconcentration distribution PFAS tissue aquatic organisms helps elucidate persistence as well environmental impacts. Traditional analysis by LC-MS/MS can total concentrations within an organism but cannot provide comprehensive spatial...

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of cells can elucidate metabolic changes with cellular and molecular specificity. Fibroblasts are mesenchymal that important in tissue homeostasis wound healing. During early healing, fibroblasts adhere to fibrinogen migrate into fibrin clots, which interactions stabilize blood clots promote subsequent remodeling. It is understood exists distinct forms, fetal adult, have differing glycosylation morphological effects on fibroblasts. Despite their importance...

The level of visual detail a mass spectrometry image is dependent on the spatial resolution with which it acquired, largely determined by focal diameter in infrared laser ablation-based techniques. While use mid-IR light for imaging (MSI) has advantages, results relatively large and resolution. continual advancement matrix-assisted electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) MSI warranted novel methods to decrease ablation areas thus improve resolution.In this work, Schwarzschild-like reflective...

Biospecimens with nearly flat surfaces on a stage are typically required for laser-based mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques. However, sampling stages rarely perfectly level, and accounting this the need to accommodate non-flat samples requires deeper understanding of laser beam depth focus. In ablation-based MSI methods, is focused top sample surface, ensuring that at focal point or remains within general, focus given related quality (M2 ) wavelength (λ). because applied biological...

Rationale Infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR‐MALDESI) utilizes a 2970 nm mid‐IR to desorb samples with depth resolutions ( Z ) on the order of micrometers. Conventionally, 5–20 μm thick tissue sections are used characterize different applications IR‐MALDESI source, but an optimal thickness has not been systematically investigated. Methods Mouse liver was sectioned various thicknesses and analyzed using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Height profiles...

The field of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is constantly evolving to analyze a diverse array biological systems. A common goal the need resolve cellular and subcellular heterogeneity with high spatial resolution. As continues progress towards resolution, other parameters must be considered when developing practical method. Here, we discuss impacts resolution on time acquisition associated implications they have an MSI analysis (e.g., area region interest). This work presents brief tutorial...

Increasing the spatial resolution of a mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) method results in more defined heatmap distribution molecules across sample, but it is also associated with disadvantage increased acquisition time. Decreasing area region interest to achieve shorter durations loss potentially valuable information larger specimens. This work presents novel MSI reduce time data variable step size imaging: nested regions (nROIs). Using nROIs, small ROI may be imaged at higher while inside...

Rationale The development and characterization of the novel NextGen infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR‐MALDESI) source catalyzed new advancements in IR‐MALDESI instrumentation, including a analysis geometry. Methods A vertically oriented transmission mode (tm)‐IR‐MALDESI setup was developed optimized on thawed mouse tissue. In addition, glycerol introduced as an alternative energy‐absorbing matrix for tm‐IR‐MALDESI because geometry does not currently allow...

ABSTRACT The adoption of mass spectrometry for high-throughput screening in drug discovery has become increasingly prevalent and enabled label-free against diverse targets. Cellular assays phenotypic screening, however, are primarily conducted by microscopy as there remain many challenges associated with conducting screens via ultra-high throughput spectrometry. Following a simple on-plate extraction, infrared matrix assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) was employed...

High spatial resolution is a key parameter in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), enabling greater understanding of system biology and cellular processes. Using novel IR laser with good Gaussian beam quality (

This month's tutorial relates time of acquisition and high spatial resolution in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) applications. The addresses many the challenges presented by MSI resulting data file sizes. Herein, varying methodologies are discussed order to achieve while maintaining feasible experimental downstream processing times. welcomes suggestions functions as a guide discern when resolutions applicable MSI, implications times on whole.

This month’s tutorial walks through the parameters that affect laser ablation-based mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of non-flat surfaces with ambition making MSI-relevant considerations more accessible to broader community. Specifically, equations for depth focus and minimum spot size are related wavelength beam quality in use. explains differences between ultraviolet infrared MSI platforms relation these properties, as well provides modern approaches field surfaces.