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A mass spectrometry primer for mass spectrometry imaging
Stanislav S Rubakhin1, Jonathan V Sweedler
1Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. roubakhi@illinois.edu
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|August 4, 2010
Summary
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) uses mass spectrometry (MS) to map molecules in biological samples. This guide introduces MSI principles and methods for researchers, aiding in selecting appropriate techniques for chemical analysis.
Area of Science:
- Chemical imaging
- Analytical chemistry
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an advanced chemical imaging technique.
- It complements other imaging methods by offering high chemical specificity and broad analyte coverage.
- MSI enables the analysis of diverse molecules, including inorganics, metabolites, proteins, and pharmaceuticals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry (MS) as applied in MSI.
- To guide researchers unfamiliar with MS in understanding MSI techniques.
- To provide criteria for selecting the most suitable MSI method for specific research needs.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes mass spectrometry (MS) technologies for chemical analysis.
- Creates single- and multi-dimensional localization maps of atoms and molecules.
- Offers flexibility in detecting, characterizing, and identifying multiple analytes.
Main Results:
- MSI provides detailed spatial distribution data for various chemical species.
- The technique is applicable to complex biological specimens in vivo, in vitro, and in situ.
- This volume details various MSI approaches for comprehensive chemical analysis.
Conclusions:
- MSI is a powerful tool for chemical analysis in complex biological systems.
- Understanding MSI principles is crucial for its effective application.
- This resource facilitates the selection and implementation of appropriate MSI protocols.
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