A one-step matrix application method for MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of bacterial colony biofilms
Bin Li1, Troy J Comi1, Tong Si1,2
1Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
Abstract:
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging of biofilms cultured on agar plates is challenging because of problems related to matrix deposition onto agar. We describe a one-step, spray-based application of a 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid solution for direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging of hydrated Bacillus subtilis biofilms on agar. Using both an optimized airbrush and a home-built automatic sprayer, region-specific distributions of signaling metabolites and cannibalistic factors were visualized from B. subtilis cells cultivated on biofilm-promoting medium. The approach provides a homogeneous, relatively dry coating on hydrated samples, improving spot to spot signal repeatability compared with sieved matrix application, and is easily adapted for imaging a range of agar-based biofilms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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