Review and perspectives on the applications of mass spectrometry imaging under ambient conditions

Abstract

Ambient mass spectrometry (AMS)-based techniques are performed under ambient conditions in which the ionization and desorption occur in the open environment allowing the direct analysis of molecules with minimal or no sample preparation. A selected group of AMS techniques demonstrate imaging capabilities that can provide information about the localization of molecules on complex sample surfaces such as biological tissues. 2D, 3D, and multimodal imaging have unlocked an array of applications to systematically address complex problems in many areas of research such as drug monitoring, natural products, forensics, and cancer diagnostics. In the present review, we summarize recent advances in the field with respect to the implementation of new ambient ionization techniques and current applications in the last 5 years. In more detail, we mainly focus on imaging applications in topics related to animal whole bodies and tissues, single cells, cancer diagnostics and biomarkers, microbial cultures and co-cultures, plant and natural product metabolomics, and forensic applications. Finally, we discuss new areas of research, future perspectives, and the overall direction that the field may take in the years to come.

Emerging role of clinical mass spectrometry in pathology

“…More recently, atmospheric pressure ambient ionisation MS has gained noteworthy interest for routine clinical use due to significant advantages over other MS techniques, including simpler sample preparation, simpler instrumentation, and analysis in real time in an open environment and at atmospheric pressure, which made the in vivo analysis of tissues using MSI a feasible and attractive option. Since these early experiments in the past decade, more than 40 ambient ionisation techniques have now been described in the literature 138 139. Please refer to recent reviews for a summary of common ambient and non-ambient ionisation methods for MSI 138 139…”

“…Since these early experiments in the past decade, more than 40 ambient ionisation techniques have now been described in the literature 138 139. Please refer to recent reviews for a summary of common ambient and non-ambient ionisation methods for MSI 138 139…”

Integrating ion mobility and imaging mass spectrometry for comprehensive analysis of biological tissues: A brief review and perspective

“…54,55 For detailed descriptions of these ionization sources, see these recent reviews. [56][57][58] While secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is also a prevalent IMS ion source, 56,57 it has not yet been coupled to ion mobility and will therefore not be covered in this perspective. Regardless of IMS ion source, ion mobility provides efficient ion separation prior to mass analysis 59 and increased signal-…”

Multiplatform Investigation of Plasma and Tissue Lipid Signatures of Breast Cancer Using Mass Spectrometry Tools

“…While LC-MS is very suitable for biofluid analysis, MS imaging (MSI) is another outstanding MS technique that has gained attention for direct tissue analysis [19,20]. MSI provides comprehensive information on the distribution of the molecules directly over the surface of samples.…”