A review of complementary separation methods and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging: Lowering sample complexity
Abstract
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) brings unique combined information on molecular identity and molecular distribution of a sample surface. During the past decade, it has matured and is now routinely employed for biomedical tissue sections analysis.
However, owing to the high molecular complexity of tissue, MALDI-MSI suffers from ionization suppression effects. This directly results in a reduced ability to detect low-abundant molecular species.
At the same time, the spatial resolution of separation techniques can be insufficient for an unambiguous determination of the local composition of a mixture. As analytical separation techniques can significantly reduce ion suppression, and MALDI-MSI has an ability to improve their spatial resolution, the two analytical approaches can successfully be combined in a pursuit of comprehensive local sample composition information.
In the following review we summarize strategies of mutually beneficial combinations of MALDI-MSI and different separation techniques and discuss limitations and future developments.