Perspective on Advances in Laser-Based High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Life Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful analytical tool across various scientific disciplines.
• Current research in MSI is increasingly focused on enhancing instrumental development for higher resolution.
• Advancements are pushing spatial resolution from microscale to nanoscale, particularly with near-field techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent innovations in high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (HR-MSI) with spatial resolution below 5 μm.
• To highlight the potential of emerging HR-MSI techniques in biological research.
• To discuss current limitations and propose future development schemes for HR-MSI.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent technological innovations in HR-MSI.
• Analysis of emerging techniques, including near-field based methods.
• Discussion of challenges and proposed solutions in HR-MSI.

Main Results:

• Emerging HR-MSI techniques offer unprecedented spatial resolution, enabling nanoscale imaging.
• New possibilities are opened for biological research through advanced HR-MSI.
• Key challenges in sensitivity, specificity, multimodal imaging, and data processing are identified.

Conclusions:

• HR-MSI is rapidly maturing, moving beyond commercial instruments to address complex scientific questions.
• Future developments in HR-MSI are expected to overcome current limitations.
• The perspective provides insights into the future trajectory and applications of HR-MSI.