Direct analysis of lipids on thin layer plates by matrix-assisted secondary ion mass spectrometry

A simple and rapid method for the analysis of lipids on a thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate by matrix-assisted secondary ion mass spectrometry (SI-MS) is reported. Analysis was performed without elution of the sample from the TLC plate. Mass spectra obtained by this method are free from interference due to the TLC plate absorbent and reagents used for the detection of the spots. About 1 micrograms of lipids applied on a TLC plate can be analyzed by this method. On scanning the plate, mass chromatograms of each lipid were obtained based on its migration distance along the plate.