A uniform 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid layer as a matrix for MALDI-FTICR MS-based lipidomics

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Lipidomics research requires sensitive and reproducible analytical methods.
• Existing matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) techniques can face challenges with analyte distribution and reproducibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a uniform 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) matrix for enhanced MALDI-FTICR MS analysis of lipids.
• To investigate lipid profile alterations in drug-resistant versus drug-sensitive tumor cells.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a highly uniform 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) layer.
• Application of DHB matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR MS).
• Analysis of lipid extracts using chloroform and subsequent statistical analysis (PCA, PLS-DA).

Main Results:

• The uniform DHB layer ensured homogeneous distribution of lipid analytes, significantly increasing MALDI-FTICR MS reproducibility.
• High-resolution FTICR MS and MS/MS fragmentation enabled identification of numerous lipids.
• Distinct lipid changes were identified between drug-resistant and drug-sensitive tumor cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed DHB matrix offers a simple, rapid, and reproducible approach for lipidomics studies.
• This method provides a promising new avenue for exploring lipid alterations in complex biological systems, including cancer research.