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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Rapid Scan Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Opens New Avenues for Imaging Physiologically Important Parameters In Vivo
Published on: September 26, 2016
Distribution profiles of nitroxide spin probes in human skin--a combined study using spatially resolved electron spin
U Hochkirch1, W Herrmann, R Stösser
1Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry are two analytical methods that are very rarely used in combination. In this paper, we will show that the methods complement one another in the example of the distribution of stable nitroxide radicals in human skin, including the spatial resolution of these distribution processes. There are many ESR investigations dealing with this subject, but unfortunately, they are all limited to the detection of paramagnetic species. The combination with MS allows the successful examination of the distribution profile of the main biotransformation product of the nitroxide radicals, the respective "ESR-silent" hydroxylamines. In order to maintain the biological state of the sample material as far as possible, atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with ion trap detection has been used for the mass spectrometric investigations. The results validate the former findings of the strong reduction of stable free radicals by biological material; moreover, the diamagnetic species formed during these processes have been identified.
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