Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
06:21
Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 12, 2013
19.3K
Advances in desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging: Research progress and applications
Xujun Zhang1, Shan Wang2, Bo Sui1
1College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
Journal of Chromatography. A
|January 24, 2026
Summary
Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) offers detailed molecular mapping of surfaces. This review highlights its applications in biology, environmental monitoring, and food safety, showcasing its potential for future research.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Imaging
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) is an advanced molecular imaging technique.
- It combines DESI with mass spectrometry for surface molecular analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles, advantages, and applications of DESI-MSI.
- To explore its utility in biological, environmental, and food safety fields.
Main Methods:
- Elucidation of the DESI-MSI desorption and ionization processes.
- Review of applications in biological tissues (brain, liver, kidney, lung).
- Analysis of mapping capabilities for exogenous and endogenous biomolecules.
Main Results:
- DESI-MSI effectively maps molecular composition and spatial distribution on sample surfaces.
- Demonstrated utility in understanding tissue function, disease mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics.
- Successful applications in biomedicine, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
Conclusions:
- DESI-MSI is a versatile tool with significant potential across multiple scientific disciplines.
- Ongoing advancements in instrumentation and methods will expand its impact.
- It promises to drive innovation in applied research and technology development.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Mass Spectrometry
2.2K
Higher molecular weight biomolecules are nonvolatile compounds that may decompose before ionizing or vaporizing during mass analysis with conventional electron impact ionization methods. Accordingly, electrospray ionization (ESI) is the favored method for vaporizing and ionizing biomolecules as it circumvents rapid fragmentation and enables the recording of mass signals for the entire biomolecule.
ESI utilizes electrical energy to transfer ions from the liquid phase of the sample into the...
ESI utilizes electrical energy to transfer ions from the liquid phase of the sample into the...
2.2K
01:21Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry
1.5K
The molecular ion peak of a molecule in the mass spectrum provides vital information for molecular identification. However, conventional electron impact ionization can lead to the rapid dissociation of some molecular ions before they reach the detector. A milder ionization method is required to increase the lifetime of such ionized analyte molecules. Chemical ionization (CI) is a gas-phase protonation reaction useful for mass-analyzing analyte molecules that are easily protonated to yield the...
1.5K
01:08Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
1.0K
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a powerful analytical technique used in mass spectrometry. It enables the identification and characterization of various biomolecules, including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. MALDI is an ionization technique, widely employed in biological and medical research, as well as in fields like pharmacology and biochemistry.The analyte of interest, a biomolecule or a mixture of biomolecules, is mixed with a suitable matrix...
1.0K
01:21Tandem Mass Spectrometry
2.4K
Tandem mass spectrometry is a technique that uses multiple mass analyzers in series to obtain a higher selectivity and reduce chemical noise during analyte detection. Instruments with multiple analyzers separated by an interaction cell enable secondary fragmentation and selected study of the fragment ions.Secondary fragmentations occur in the interaction cell and can be induced by various factors. Fragmentation induced by collision with inert gases, such as N2, Ar, He, etc., is called...
2.4K
01:19Mass Spectrometry: Overview
8.4K
Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to determine the molecular mass and molecular formula of a compound. The basic principle of mass spectrometry is to generate ions from the analyte molecule and measure these ion abundances against their molecular mass. One common type of ionization, known as electron ionization or EI, bombards the analyte molecules in the gas phase with high-energy electron beams. The electron beams displace an electron from the molecule and leave behind a...
8.4K
01:15Mass Spectrometry of Amines
5.3K
In mass spectroscopy, amines undergo fragmentation to give parent ions with odd molecule weights. This observed mass spectrum follows the nitrogen rule; a molecule with an odd number of nitrogen atoms produces a molecular ion with an odd molecular weight. Amines undergo fragmentation through α cleavage, producing nitrogen-containing cations—iminium ions—and alkyl radicals. Mass spectra of aromatic and cyclic aliphatic amines exhibit strong molecular ion peaks, but acyclic...
5.3K