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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
06:21
Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 12, 2013
Improved imaging resolution in desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Vilmos Kertesz1, Gary J Van Berkel
1Organic and Biological Mass Spectrometry Group, Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6131, USA. kerteszv@ornl.gov
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM
|July 31, 2008
Summary
Researchers improved desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging resolution to 40 micrometers. This advancement was achieved by optimizing operational parameters and surface conditions for better DESI-MS analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Background:
- Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is a powerful ambient ionization technique.
- Improving the spatial resolution of DESI-MS is crucial for detailed chemical mapping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and enhance the imaging resolution of DESI-MS.
- To identify key parameters influencing resolution in DESI-MS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized printed patterns on paper and TLC plates for resolution assessment.
- Systematically varied operational parameters including spray tip-to-surface distance, solvent flow rate, and scan spacing.
- Evaluated analyte/surface interactions and surface uniformity.
Main Results:
- Achieved imaging resolution approaching 40 micrometers, a five-fold improvement over previous reports.
- Demonstrated the critical role of controlled operational parameters in enhancing resolution.
- Highlighted the necessity of strong analyte/surface interaction and uniform surface textures.
Conclusions:
- Optimized operational and surface conditions significantly improve DESI-MS imaging resolution.
- Minimizing the effective desorption/ionization area and analyte redistribution is key to high-resolution DESI-MS.
- The findings pave the way for more detailed chemical analysis using DESI-MS.
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