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Updated: May 19, 2026

Sample Preparation for Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: February 19, 2020
Solid probe assisted nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry for biological tissue diagnostics.
Mridul Kanti Mandal1, Kentaro Yoshimura, Subhrakanti Saha
1Clean Energy Research Center, University of Yamanashi, Takeda, Kofu, Japan. mandal@yamanashi.ac.jp
A new technique called solid probe assisted nanoelectrospray ionization (SPA-nanoESI) allows for remote mass spectrometry sampling of biological tissues. This minimally invasive method provides abundant ion signals for human kidney and mouse liver tissues.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Direct tissue analysis via mass spectrometry is challenging.
- Existing sampling methods can be invasive or require proximity to the instrument.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for remote and direct sampling for mass spectrometry.
- To introduce solid probe assisted nanoelectrospray ionization (SPA-nanoESI) for biological sample analysis.
Main Methods:
- Developed solid probe assisted nanoelectrospray ionization (SPA-nanoESI).
- Captured biological samples (human kidney, mouse liver) on a needle tip.
- Inserted the needle into a nanoESI capillary for analysis.
Main Results:
- SPA-nanoESI successfully generated abundant ion signals from human kidney tissues.
- Demonstrated effective sampling from the liver of a living mouse.
- The method proved easy to operate and versatile for various biological specimens.
Conclusions:
- SPA-nanoESI is a versatile and minimally invasive technique for remote mass spectrometry sampling.
- Enables analysis of biological samples away from the mass spectrometer.
- Offers a promising approach for in-situ and ex-situ tissue analysis.
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