Ambient Molecular Analysis of Biological Tissue Using Low-Energy, Femtosecond Laser Vaporization and Nanospray Postionization Mass Spectrometry

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2016 Mar;27(3):542-51. doi: 10.1007/s13361-015-1302-z. Epub 2015 Dec 14.

Abstract

Direct analysis of plant and animal tissue samples by laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS) was investigated using low-energy, femtosecond duration laser vaporization at wavelengths of 800 and 1042 nm followed by nanospray postionization. Low-energy (<50 μJ), fiber-based 1042 nm LEMS (F-LEMS) allowed interrogation of the molecular species in fresh flower petal and leaf samples using 435 fs, 10 Hz bursts of 20 pulses from a Ytterbium-doped fiber laser and revealed comparable results to high energy (75-1120 μJ), 45 fs, 800 nm Ti:Sapphire-based LEMS (Ti:Sapphire-LEMS) measurements. Anthocyanins, sugars, and other metabolites were successfully detected and revealed the anticipated metabolite profile for the petal and leaf samples. Phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine, were identified from a fresh mouse brain section sample using Ti:Sapphire-LEMS without the application of matrix. These lipid features were suppressed in both the fiber-based and Ti:Sapphire-based LEMS measurements when the brain sample was prepared using the optimal cutting temperature compounds that are commonly used in animal tissue cryosections.

Keywords: Ambient mass spectrometry; Biological tissue; Electrospray ionization; Femtosecond fiber laser; Laser vaporization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthocyanins / analysis
  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Carbohydrates / analysis
  • Equipment Design
  • Lasers
  • Mice
  • Phospholipids / analysis
  • Plants / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / instrumentation*
  • Volatilization

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Carbohydrates
  • Phospholipids