Preliminary study of Microfabricated Glow Discharge Plasma for Mass Spectrometry Imaging

To evaluate the ability of microfabricated glow discharge plasma (MFGDP) as ion source used for mass spectrometry imaging, the different handwritings with urea added were analyzed, and the spatial distribution of stearic acid and the ramification of quercetin in a slice of winter jujube were explored. The MFGDP, independently researched and developed by our lab, acted as ion source to absorb and ionize the sample. The excited sample ions entered into mass spectrometer and then obtained the mass spectra, which were converted by special software into corresponding image. The results showed that the MFGDP source was feasible and valuable for mass spectrometry imaging. The simple device, easy operation, low temperature plasma and time saving (< 20 min) were its remarkable features and it could locate the distribution of the different substance in a sample. The factors influencing definition of image were discussed and the experimental conditions were optimized, the resolution was about 300 μm under the optimum conditions. The technique could distinguish different handwritings according to the “fingerprints” of chemical substances, and obtain commendably the distribution of different nutrients in the real sample, therefore, it provided a new method for the study of the calligraphy and painting, identification for artwork and acquisition for nutrients distribution.

Preliminary study of Micro-fabricated Glow Discharge Plasma acted as ion source for Mass Spectrometry Imaging has been done in this paper, the results showed that the MFGDP was a feasible and valuable source, and which has great potential for it.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide