Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Sample Preparation for Metabolic Profiling using MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Published on: December 22, 2020
MALDI imaging mass spectrometry: molecular snapshots of biochemical systems
Dale S Cornett1, Michelle L Reyzer, Pierre Chaurand
1Mass Spectrometry Research Center, 465 21st Avenue, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
Abstract:
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is emerging as a powerful tool for investigating the distribution of molecules within biological systems through the direct analysis of thin tissue sections. Unique among imaging methods, MALDI-IMS can determine the distribution of hundreds of unknown compounds in a single measurement. We discuss the current state of the art of MALDI-IMS along with some recent applications and technological developments that illustrate not only its current capabilities but also the future potential of the technique to provide a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of biological processes.
Related Concept Videos
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Peptide Identification Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry
This technique helps gather information regarding the protein from which the peptide was obtained and to study the peptides’ amino acid sequence. Identifying peptides from a complex mixture is an important component of the growing field of...
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
Mass Spectrometry: Overview
