Controlled-resonant surface tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry Imaging
• Surface Sampling Techniques

Background:

• Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) requires efficient sample introduction and ionization.
• Existing atmospheric pressure liquid extraction-based surface sampling techniques have limitations in spatial resolution and automation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the advancement of a controlled-resonant surface tapping-mode single capillary liquid junction extraction/electrospray ionization (ESI) emitter for MSI.
• To demonstrate the system's capabilities for automated sample analysis and high-resolution chemical imaging.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a controlled-resonant surface tapping-mode capillary emitter.
• Automated spot sampling, lane scanning, and chemical imaging of various analytes.
• Optimization of instrumental setup and performance metrics for MSI.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated automated spot sampling of diverse compounds (basic blue 7, cellopentaose, cytochrome c).
• Successfully performed lane scanning and chemical imaging of crystal violet and lipids in mouse brain tissue.
• Achieved a spatial resolution of approximately 35 μm for lipid imaging in mouse brain sections.

Conclusions:

• The developed tapping-mode capillary emitter enables automated and controlled surface sampling for MSI.
• The system offers comparable spatial resolution to existing state-of-the-art techniques.
• This advancement facilitates high-resolution chemical imaging of biological and material samples.