Fast and automated large-area imaging MALDI mass spectrometry in microprobe and microscope mode

Since the introduction of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), numerous instrumental developments have been presented. The introduction of microscope MALDI IMS was a major breakthrough, making micron-range resolution MALDI imaging of kiloDalton mass species possible. We discuss new developments that makes large (cm range) field of view, high resolution (μm range) microscope mode imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) possible in a single experiment, using three different data acquisition approaches simultaneously. We demonstrate how a combination of these acquisition approaches is used to correlate mass spectral and high resolution imaging data.

Graphical abstractNew developments that makes large (cm range) field of view, high (μm range) resolution microscope mode imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) possible in a single experiment.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide