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SALDI-MS and SERS Multimodal Imaging: One Nanostructured Substrate to Rule Them Both
Stefania-Alexandra Iakab1,2, Gerard Baquer1, Marta Lafuente3,4
1Department of Electronic Engineering, Rovira i Virgili University, Tarragona 43007, Spain.
Analytical Chemistry
|February 1, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new multimodal imaging technique combining surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for chemical analysis. The method successfully identified plasticine traces on fingermarks, demonstrating its utility in forensic science.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Chemical imaging techniques like mass spectrometry and spectroscopy offer in situ analysis of biological samples but face limitations in specificity, sensitivity, and resolution.
- Current multimodal imaging approaches are uncommon due to incompatible substrates, sample preparation, and data formats, hindering simultaneous analysis of the same sample.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated multimodal imaging approach combining SALDI-MS and SERS.
- To enable coregistration of mass spectrometry and spectroscopy data from the same sample using a single substrate and preparation protocol.
Main Methods:
- A gold-coated nanostructured silicon substrate was developed to couple SALDI-MS and SERS.
- Molecules from clean and plasticine-covered fingertips were transferred to the substrate for analysis.
- Integrated data analysis software was used for coregistration of SALDI-MS and SERS images.
Main Results:
- The multimodal approach successfully analyzed the chemical composition and distribution of molecules from fingertips.
- Traces of plasticine were located on fingermarks, and the chemical composition of the clay was determined.
- The study demonstrated the effective combination of SALDI-MS and SERS advantages with nanostructured substrate signal enhancement.
Conclusions:
- The developed multimodal imaging approach overcomes limitations of individual techniques by enabling simultaneous SALDI-MS and SERS analysis.
- This integrated method provides enhanced chemical information and spatial distribution, with potential applications in forensics and chemical analysis.
