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Published on: January 20, 2022
Matrix-enhanced secondary ion mass spectrometry (ME SIMS) using room temperature ionic liquid matrices
Jennifer J D Fitzgerald1, Paul Kunnath, Amy V Walker
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, RL 10, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
Room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) show promise as matrices for time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and MS imaging. These novel IL matrices significantly enhance molecular ion signals and improve detection limits for various biomolecules.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) are versatile solvents with potential applications in mass spectrometry.
- Traditional matrices in MALDI and TOF-SIMS can suffer from limitations like crystallization and
- hot spots".
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of two novel ionic liquids (ILs) derived from alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) as matrices for time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and MS imaging.
- To assess the impact of IL matrices on molecular ion intensity, detection limits, and suitability for imaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of two ILs based on CHCA.
- Testing of IL matrices with phospholipids (DPPC, DPPE), cholesterol, and peptides (bradykinin, angiotensin I) using TOF-SIMS.
- MS imaging of an onionskin membrane with IL matrices.
Main Results:
- IL matrices significantly increased molecular ion intensities for DPPC, DPPE, cholesterol, and bradykinin.
- Detection limits for DPPC and DPPE were improved by at least two orders of magnitude with IL matrices.
- IL matrices were suitable for MS imaging, revealing characteristic ions of biomolecules without causing surface alterations or "hot spots".
Conclusions:
- Ionic liquids derived from CHCA are effective matrices for TOF-SIMS and MS imaging, enhancing sensitivity and enabling detection of previously unobservable biomolecules.
- IL matrices offer advantages over conventional matrices by preventing crystallization and "hot spots", making them a promising area for further investigation in SIMS and MS imaging.
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