Patterned surfaces can enhance the sensitivity of laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry by segregating and concentrating analytes, but their fabrication can be challenging. Here, a simple method to fabricate substrates patterned with micrometer-scale wells that yield more accurate and sensitive mass spectrometry measurements compared to flat surfaces is described. The wells can also concentrate and localize cells and beads for cell-based assays.
Keywords: mass spectrometry imaging; microbowls; microwell arrays.
© 2022 The Authors. Advanced Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.