Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Sample Preparation for Metabolic Profiling using MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Published on: December 22, 2020
Mass spectrometric imaging of small molecules
1Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str. 8, 07745 Jena, Germany. svatos@ice.mpg.de
Mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) offers new ways to visualize small molecules in biological samples. This review covers recent MSI advancements for lipids, drugs, and other compounds, plus applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Small molecules (<1000 Da) are crucial in biology but difficult to image.
- Existing imaging techniques lack selectivity for small molecule localization and quantification.
- Novel methods are needed to overcome these limitations in biological samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent technological advancements in mass spectrometric imaging (MSI).
- To discuss the application of MSI for various small molecule classes.
- To cover sample preparation, software, and medical/biological uses of MSI.
Main Methods:
- Mass Spectrometric Imaging (MSI) is the core technology discussed.
- The review covers various MSI techniques and their development.
- Sample preparation and imaging software advancements are also detailed.
Main Results:
- MSI enables selective detection of small molecule positions, concentrations, and structures.
- The review encompasses diverse small molecules: lipids, sugars, pharmaceuticals, and more.
- Recent MSI methods offer improved sensitivity and spatial resolution.
Conclusions:
- MSI is a powerful tool for small molecule analysis in biological systems.
- Technological progress in MSI continues to expand its utility.
- MSI applications span fundamental biology, medicine, and drug development.
More Related Videos
07:58Capturing Small Molecule Communication Between Tissues and Cells Using Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 3, 2019
09:38Dithranol as a Matrix for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging on a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer
Published on: November 26, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
Mass Spectrometry: Overview
Mass Spectrometers
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...