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Metabolite mapping by consecutive nanostructure and silver-assisted mass spectrometry imaging on tissue sections
O J R Gustafsson1, T M Guinan1, D Rudd2
1Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia, 5095.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM
|April 4, 2017
Summary
This study introduces silver-enhanced nanostructure mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) for enhanced molecular detection in biological samples. The bimodal approach improves small molecule and lipid identification from single samples, aiding metabolite discovery.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanostructure-based mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) offers label-free molecular imaging of small molecules.
- Traditional matrix-assisted MSI methods often suffer from complex chemical backgrounds.
- Enhancing nanostructure surfaces with silver (Ag) provides a secondary data acquisition channel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a bimodal mass spectrometry imaging approach using silver-enhanced desorption/ionization on silicon (Ag-DIOS) substrates.
- To improve the sensitivity and scope of molecular detection in biological samples.
- To enable simultaneous acquisition of complementary molecular information from a single sample.
Main Methods:
- Desorption/ionization on silicon (DIOS) substrates were used for initial MSI analysis of biological samples.
- Ultra-thin silver layers were overlaid onto the DIOS substrates for subsequent Ag-DIOS MSI analysis.
- The bimodal method was applied to fingermarks and murine fore-stomach tissue sections.
Main Results:
- DIOS MSI successfully mapped small molecules in fingermarks and metabolites/lipids in murine fore-stomach.
- Ag-DIOS MSI enabled detection of silver-adductable lipids, such as wax esters and cholesterol.
- The bimodal approach facilitated the identification of challenging metabolites, like 6,6'-dibromoindirubin, and provided tissue-specific spatial context for lipids and metabolites.
Conclusions:
- The Ag-DIOS MSI method enhances small molecule and lipid identification from single samples.
- This bimodal approach maximizes resource utilization and the number of annotated small molecules.
- The technique is particularly valuable for detecting metabolites typically undetectable by traditional MSI platforms.
