A Five-Year Update on Matrix Compounds for MALDI-MS Analysis of Lipids

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) is a key soft-ionization technique in modern mass spectrometry (MS).
• MALDI facilitates the analysis of diverse chemical compounds, including lipids, with minimal fragmentation.
• It offers advantages like spatially-resolved spectra and competes with electrospray ionization MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of advancements in MALDI-based lipid analysis since 2018.
• To highlight the critical role of matrix selection in MALDI lipid profiling.
• To categorize lipid analysis by increasing complexity, from free fatty acids to cardiolipins and phosphoinositides.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature (last five years) on MALDI lipid analysis.
• Focus on the impact of matrix selection on lipid detection and sensitivity.
• Systematic organization of lipid classes based on their chemical complexity.

Main Results:

• The choice of matrix is paramount for successful MALDI lipid analysis, influencing detectability and sensitivity.
• Specific lipid classes can only be detected with optimal matrix selection.
• Recent progress has refined MALDI techniques for a broader range of lipids.

Conclusions:

• Matrix selection remains the most critical factor for achieving optimal results in MALDI lipid analysis.
• Continued research is essential to further elucidate methodological aspects of MALDI.
• This review consolidates recent progress, aiding researchers in selecting appropriate matrices for diverse lipid analyses.