VAMAS Interlaboratory Study for Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (DESI MS) Intensity Repeatability and Constancy

Evaluation of Inlet Temperature with Three Sprayer Designs for Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Tissue Analysis

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allows for the spatially resolved detection of endogenous and exogenous molecules and atoms in biological samples, typically prepared as thin tissue sections. Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is one of the most commonly utilized MSI modalities in preclinical research. DESI ion source technology is still rapidly evolving, with new sprayer designs and heated inlet capillaries having recently been incorporated in commercially available systems. In this study, three iterations of DESI sprayer designs are evaluated: (1) the first, and until recently only, commercially available Waters sprayer; (2) a developmental desorption electro-flow focusing ionization (DEFFI)-type sprayer; and (3) a prototype of the newly released Waters commercial sprayer. A heated inlet capillary is also employed, allowing for controlled inlet temperatures up to 500 °C. These three sprayers are evaluated by comparative tissue imaging analyses of murine testes across this temperature range. Single ion intensity versus temperature trends are evaluated as exemplar cases for putatively identified species of interest, such as lactate and glutamine. A range of trends are observed, where intensities follow either increasing, decreasing, bell-shaped, or other trends with temperature. Data for all sprayers show approximately similar trends for the ions studied, with the commercial prototype sprayer (sprayer version 3) matching or outperforming the other sprayers for the ions investigated. Finally, the mass spectra acquired using sprayer version 3 are evaluated by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and k-means clustering. This approach is shown to provide valuable insight that is complementary to the presented univariate evaluation for reviewing the parameter space in this study. Full spectral temperature optimization data are provided as supporting data to enable other researchers to design experiments that are optimal for specific ions.

Robust Fluorescence Collection Module for Wide-Bore Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometers

Mass spectrometers are at the heart of the most powerful toolboxes available to scientists when studying molecular structure, conformation, and dynamics in controlled molecular environments. Improved molecular characterization brought about by the implementation of new orthogonal methods into mass spectrometry-enabled analyses opens deeper insight into the complex interplay of forces that underlie chemistry. Here, we detail how one can add fluorescence detection to commercial ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometers without adverse effects to its preexisting analytical tools. This advance enables measurements based on fluorescence detection, such as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), to be used in conjunction with other MS/MS techniques to probe the conformation and dynamics of large biomolecules, such as proteins and their complexes, in the highly controlled environment of a Penning trap.

Update DESI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is an ambient technique that allows chemical information to be obtained directly from a wide range of surfaces, without pretreatment. Here we describe the improvements that have been developed to be able to achieve low tens of microns pixel size MSI experiments with high sensitivity for metabolites and lipids from biological tissue sections.In the last decade, DESI mass spectrometry has undergone developmental improvements, with regard to the method of desorption and ionization as well as the mass spectrometer to which the DESI source has been coupled to. DESI is becoming a mass spectrometry imaging technique, which can match and complement the currently most widely adopted ionization technique, the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI).

Exploring New Methods to Study and Moderate Proton Beam Damage for Multimodal Imaging on a Single Tissue Section

Characterizing proton beam damage in biological materials is of interest to enable the integration of proton microprobe elemental mapping techniques with other imaging modalities. It is also of relevance to obtain a deeper understanding of mechanical damage to lipids in tissues during proton beam cancer therapy. We have developed a novel strategy to characterize proton beam damage to lipids in biological tissues based on mass spectrometry imaging. This methodology is applied to characterize changes to lipids in tissues ex vivo, irradiated under different conditions designed to mitigate beam damage. This work shows that performing proton beam irradiation at ambient pressure, as well as including the application of an organic matrix prior to irradiation, can reduce damage to lipids in tissues. We also discovered that, irrespective of proton beam irradiation, placing a sample in a vacuum prior to desorption electrospray ionization imaging can enhance lipid signals, a conclusion that may be of future benefit to the mass spectrometry imaging community.

A review on quantitation-related factors and quantitation strategies in mass spectrometry imaging of small biomolecules

Accurate quantitative information of the analytes in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is fundamental for determining the accurate spatial distribution, which can provide additional insight into the living processes, disease progression or the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic mechanisms. However, performing a quantitative analysis in MSI is still challenging. This review focuses on the quantitation-related factors and recent advances in the strategies of quantitative MSI (q-MSI) of small molecules. The main quantitation-related factors are discussed according to the new investigations in recent years, including the regionally varied extraction efficiencies and ionization efficiencies, signal-concentration regression functions, and the repeatability of surface sampling/ionization methods. Newly developed quantitation strategies in MSI based on aforementioned factors are introduced, including new techniques in standard curve calibration with normalization to an internal standard, kinetic calibration, and chemometric methods. Different strategies for validating q-MSI methods are discussed. Finally, the future perspectives to q-MSI are proposed.

Algorithms and Databases: Unlocking Non-Targeted Screening of Small Molecules with Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Almost all sectors of analytical chemistry are finding applications for ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AI–MS) because of its ease of use, speed of analysis, and sensitivity. Although emphasis has been placed on developing new hardware that can help analyze unique samples across various applications, there has not been much innovation in the functionality of software tools and mass spectral libraries to support applications like non-targeted searching. In this article, we discuss new algorithms and libraries that have enabled non-targeted analysis of small molecules using AI–MS, as well as some of the key considerations and outstanding questions in the field.

High Resolution Ambient MS Imaging of Biological Samples by Desorption Electro-Flow Focussing Ionization

In this study, we examine the suitability of desorption electro-flow focusing ionization (DEFFI) for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of biological tissue. We also compare the performance of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) with and without the flow focusing setup. The main potential advantages of applying the flow focusing mechanism in DESI is its rotationally symmetric electrospray jet, higher intensity, more controllable parameters, and better portability due to the robustness of the sprayer. The parameters for DEFFI have therefore been thoroughly optimized, primarily for spatial resolution but also for intensity. Once the parameters have been optimized, DEFFI produces similar images to the existing DESI. MS images for mouse brain samples, acquired at a nominal pixel size of 50 μm, are comparable for both DESI setups, albeit the new sprayer design yields better sensitivity. Furthermore, the two methods are compared with regard to spectral intensity as well as the area of the desorbed crater on rhodamine-coated slides. Overall, the implementation of a flow focusing mechanism in DESI is shown to be highly suitable for imaging biological tissue and has potential to overcome some of the shortcomings experienced with the current geometrical design of DESI.

Quantitative detection of caffeine in beverages using flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging and performance evaluation of different thin-layer chromatography plates as sample substrates

Ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) is widely used as a rapid screening tool of samples in their native state without sample preparation. While analysis times are much less than 1 min per sample, one challenge of ADI-MS is the possibility to perform quantitative analysis of analytes in complex matrices. Typically, the goal is to probe a variety of different analytes in a complex matrix from a solid, liquid, or otherwise uncharacterized surface in the open air in front of the MS inlet. In this study, it is demonstrated that a carefully selected surface for analyte spot sampling and co-deposited isotopically labeled standards both significantly improve the capabilities of flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) high-resolution (HR) MS for direct quantitative analysis. Specifically, a systematic study of different surfaces (glass, steel mesh, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) stationary phases including silica, reversed-phase (RP)-modified silica, and cyano (CN)-modified silica) and their suitability for spot sampling with FAPA-MS was performed. A set of different caffeine-containing standards and beverages (Red Bull, Coca-Cola, coffee, and black tea) was deposited on the surfaces and direct FAPA-HR-MS analysis of caffeine was performed using internal calibration with co-deposited ¹³C₃-caffeine. For TLC surfaces, it was demonstrated that quantitative results could be achieved with the matrix and concomitants present and that a preceding chromatographic separation was not mandatory for this application. In addition, the use of a CN-HPTLC surface resulted in a significantly more intense caffeine signal in the beverage samples compared to the other surfaces studied, with the highest increase compared to the silica (200-fold higher) and the lowest increase compared to the steel mesh (30-fold higher). The utilization of TLC-based surfaces as sample carriers is considered an attractive tool in the ADI-MS toolbox for fast and efficient mass spectrometric investigations of complex samples without time-consuming sample preparation.

MASS SPECTROMETRY TECHNOLOGIES TO ADVANCE CARE FOR CANCER PATIENTS IN CLINICAL AND INTRAOPERATIVE USE

Developments in mass spectrometry technologies have driven a widespread interest and expanded their use in cancer-related research and clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the developments in mass spectrometry methods and instrumentation applied to direct tissue analysis that have been tailored at enhancing performance in clinical research as well as facilitating translation and implementation of mass spectrometry in clinical settings, with a focus on cancer-related studies. Notable studies demonstrating the capabilities of direct mass spectrometry analysis in biomarker discovery, cancer diagnosis and prognosis, tissue analysis during oncologic surgeries, and other clinically relevant problems that have the potential to substantially advance cancer patient care are discussed. Key challenges that need to be addressed before routine clinical implementation including regulatory efforts are also discussed. Overall, the studies highlighted in this review demonstrate the transformative potential of mass spectrometry technologies to advance clinical research and care for cancer patients. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev.

Results of the first and second British Mass Spectrometry Society interlaboratory studies on ambient mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

As the popularity of ambient ionisation grows, so too does the importance of understanding its capabilities and limitations. The British Mass Spectrometry Society Special Interest Group on Ambient Ionisation has carried out two studies into the use of ambient ionisation, the results of which are presented here.

METHODS

The first study (study 1) examined the detection and quantitation capabilities of ambient ionisation while the second examined repeatability and robustness. For study 1 participants were sent a range of samples including two calibration sample sets and asked to analyse them. For study 2, two samples containing the same eight-component mixture were provided (one in solvent, one in matrix); participants were asked to analyse these samples multiple times, over multiple days to allow assessment of repeatability.

RESULTS

Study 1 showed that small, polar compounds were well detected by the participants while lower polarity compounds were less well detected. For many samples the introduction method appeared to be a significant factor in the observed spectra. The quantitation study gave good results but revealed significant variability. For study 2 the mean repeatabilities were 65% in solvent and 88% in matrix. The inclusion of an internal standard was shown to greatly improve repeatability.

CONCLUSIONS

Ambient ionisation is capable of ionising a wide range of compounds with good precision and excellent repeatability; however, in order to obtain such data care must be taken with the experimental design. The data can be significantly improved with a well-chosen internal standard.

Sub-100 μm Spatial Resolution Ambient Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Rodent Brain with Laser Ablation Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization (LAAPPI) and Laser Ablation Electrospray Ionization (LAESI)

In this study, we applied a new IR laser-beam-focusing technique to enable sub-100 μm spatial resolution in laser ablation atmospheric pressure photoionization (LAAPPI) and laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). After optimization of operational parameters, both LAAPPI- and LAESI-MSI with a spatial resolution of 70 μm produced high-quality MS images, which allowed accurate localization of metabolites and lipids in the mouse and rat brain. Negative and positive ion LAAPPI- and LAESI-MS detected many of the same metabolites and lipids in the brain. Many compounds were also detected either by LAAPPI- or LAESI-MS, indicating that LAAPPI and LAESI are more complementary than alternative methods.

Using Sesame Seed Oil to Preserve and Preconcentrate Cannabinoids for Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

Cannabinoids present a unique set of analytical challenges. An increasing number of states have voted to decriminalize recreational marijuana use, creating a need for new kinds of rapid testing. At the same time, synthetic compounds with activity similar to THC, termed synthetic cannabinoids, have become more prevalent and pose significant health risks. A rapid method capable of detecting both natural and synthetic cannabinoids would be useful in cases of driving under the influence of drugs, where it might not be obvious whether the suspect consumed marijuana, a synthetic cannabinoid, or both. Paper spray mass spectrometry is an ambient ionization technique which allows for the direct ionization of analyte from a biofluid spot on a piece of paper. Natural cannabinoids like THC, however, are labile and rapidly disappear from dried sample spots, making it difficult to detect them at clinically relevant levels. Presented here is a method to concentrate and preserve THC and synthetic cannabinoids in urine and oral fluid on paper for analysis by paper spray mass spectrometry. Sesame seed oil was investigated both as a means of preserving THC and as part of a technique, termed paper strip extraction, wherein urine or oral fluid is flowed through an oil spot on a strip of paper to preconcentrate cannabinoids. This technique preserved THC in dried biofluid samples for at least 27 days at room temperature; paper spray MS/MS analysis of these preserved dried spots was capable of detecting THC and synthetic cannabinoids at low ng/mL concentrations, making it suitable as a rapid screening technique. The technique was adapted to be used with a commercially available autosampler.

Imaging drugs, metabolites and biomarkers in rodent lung: a DESI MS strategy for the evaluation of drug-induced lipidosis

Within drug development and pre-clinical trials, a common, significant and poorly understood event is the development of drug-induced lipidosis in tissues and cells. In this manuscript, we describe a mass spectrometry imaging strategy, involving repeated analysis of tissue sections by DESI MS, in positive and negative polarities, using MS and MS/MS modes. We present results of the detected distributions of the administered drug, drug metabolites, lipid molecules and a putative marker of lipidosis, di-docosahexaenoyl (22:6)-bis(monoacylglycerol) phosphate (di-22:6-BMP). A range of strategies have previously been reported for detection, isolation and identification of this compound, which is an isomer of di-docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3) phosphatidylglycerol (di-22:6 PG), a commonly found lipid that acts as a surfactant in lung tissues. We show that MS imaging using MS/MS can be used to differentiate these compounds of identical mass, based upon the different distributions of abundant fragment ions. Registration of images of these fragments, and detected drugs and metabolites, is presented as a new method for studying drug-induced lipidosis in tissues. Graphical abstract.

Comparison of Oral, Intranasal and Aerosol Administration of Amiodarone in Rats as a Model of Pulmonary Phospholipidosis

‘Foamy’ alveolar macrophages (FAM) observed in nonclinical toxicology studies during inhaled drug development may indicate drug-induced phospholipidosis, but can also derive from adaptive non-adverse mechanisms. Orally administered amiodarone is currently used as a model of pulmonary phospholipidosis and it was hypothesized that aerosol administration would produce phospholipidosis-induced FAM that could be characterized and used in comparative inhalation toxicology. Han-Wistar rats were given amiodarone via (1) intranasal administration (6.25 mg/kg) on two days, (2) aerosol administration (3 mg/kg) on two days, (3) aerosol administration (10 mg/kg) followed by three days of 30 mg/kg or (4) oral administration (100 mg/kg) for 7 days. Alveolar macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage were evaluated by differential cell counting and high content fluorescence imaging. Histopathology and mass-spectrometry imaging (MSI) were performed on lung slices. The higher dose aerosolised amiodarone caused transient pulmonary inflammation (p < 0.05), but only oral amiodarone resulted in FAM (p < 0.001). MSI of the lungs of orally treated rats revealed a homogenous distribution of amiodarone and a putative phospholipidosis marker, di-22:6 bis-monoacylglycerol, throughout lung tissue whereas aerosol administration resulted in localization of both compounds around the airway lumen. Thus, unlike oral administration, aerosolised amiodarone failed to produce the expected FAM responses.

Systematic evaluation of repeatability of IR-MALDESI-MS and normalization strategies for correcting the analytical variation and improving image quality

Mass spectrometry imaging is a powerful tool widely used in biological, clinical, and forensic research, but its often poor repeatability limits its application for quantitative and large-scale analysis. A systematic evaluation of infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (IR-MALDESI-MS) repeatability in absolute ion abundances during short- and long-term experiments was carried out on liver slices from the same rat with minimal biological variability to be expected. Results of median %RSDs ranging from 14 to 45, pooled %RMADs ranging from 11 to 33, and Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.83 to 1.00 demonstrated an acceptable repeatability of IR-MALDESI-MS. Normalization is commonly applied for the purpose of accounting for analytical variability of spectra generated from different runs so as to reveal real biological differences. Nine data normalization strategies were performed on the rat liver data sets to examine their effects on reducing analytical variation, and further on a hen ovary data set containing more morphological features for the investigation of their impact on ion images. Results demonstrated that the majority of normalization approaches benefit data quality to some extent, and local normalization methods significantly outperform their global counterparts, resulting in a reduction of median %RSD up to 22. Local median normalization was found to be promisingly robust for both homogeneous and heterogeneous samples.

Recent advances in ambient mass spectrometry of trace explosives

Ambient mass spectrometry has evolved rapidly over the past decade, yielding a plethora of platforms and demonstrating scientific advancements across a range of fields from biological imaging to rapid quality control. These techniques have enabled real-time detection of target analytes in an open environment with no sample preparation and can be coupled to any mass analyzer with an atmospheric pressure interface; capabilities of clear interest to the defense, customs and border control, transportation security, and forensic science communities. This review aims to showcase and critically discuss advances in ambient mass spectrometry for the trace detection of explosives.

TiO2 Photocatalysis-DESI-MS Rotating Array Platform for High-Throughput Investigation of Oxidation Reactions

We present a new high-throughput platform for studying titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalytic oxidation reactions by performing reactions on a TiO₂-coated surface, followed by direct analysis of oxidation products from the surface by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS). For this purpose, we coated a round glass wafer with photocatalytically active anatase-phase TiO₂ using atomic layer deposition. Approximately 70 aqueous 1 μL samples can be injected onto the rim of the TiO₂-coated glass wafer, before the entire wafer is exposed to UV irradiation. After evaporation of water, the oxidation products can be directly analyzed from the sample spots by DESI-MS, using a commercial rotating sample platform. The method was shown to provide fast photocatalytic oxidation reactions and analysis with throughput of about four samples per minute. The feasibility of the method was examined for mimicking phase I metabolism reactions of amodiaquine, buspirone and verapamil. Their main photocatalytic reaction products were mostly similar to the products observed earlier in TiO₂ photocatalysis and in in vitro phase I metabolism assays performed using human liver microsomes.

Ambient mass spectrometry: Direct analysis of dimethoate, tebuconazole, and trifloxystrobin on olive and vine leaves by desorption electrospray ionization interface

A new field of application for a relatively new mass-spectrometric interface such as desorption electrospray ionization was evaluated. For this purpose, its behavior was tested versus quantitative analysis of dimethoate, trifloxystrobin, and tebuconazole directly on olive and vine leaves surface. The goal was workers exposure assessment during field re-entry operations since evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to some agrochemicals and severe adverse effects. Desorption electrospray ionization gave good response working in positive ionization mode, while numerous test were necessary for the choice of a unique blend of spray solvents suitable for all 3 substances. The best compromise, in terms of signal to noise ratios, was obtained with the CH₃ OH/H₂ O (80:20) mixture. The obvious difficulties related to the impossibility to use the internal standard were overcome through an accurate validation. Limits of detection and quantitation, dynamic ranges, matrix effects, and intraday precisions were calculated, and a small monitoring campaign was arranged to test method applicability and to evaluate potential dermal exposure. This protocol was developed in work safety field, but after a brief investigation, it was find to be suitable also for food residue evaluation.

Faster, More Reproducible DESI-MS for Biological Tissue Imaging

A new, more robust sprayer for desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry imaging is presented. The main source of variability in DESI is thought to be the uncontrolled variability of various geometric parameters of the sprayer, primarily the position of the solvent capillary, or more specifically, its positioning within the gas capillary or nozzle. If the solvent capillary is off-center, the sprayer becomes asymmetrical, making the geometry difficult to control and compromising reproducibility. If the stiffness, tip quality, and positioning of the capillary are improved, sprayer reproducibility can be improved by an order of magnitude. The quality of the improved sprayer and its potential for high spatial resolution imaging are demonstrated on human colorectal tissue samples by acquisition of images at pixel sizes of 100, 50, and 20 μm, which corresponds to a lateral resolution of 40-60 μm, similar to the best values published in the literature. The high sensitivity of the sprayer also allows combination with a fast scanning quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. This provides up to 30 times faster DESI acquisition, reducing the overall acquisition time for a 10 mm × 10 mm rat brain sample to approximately 1 h. Although some spectral information is lost with increasing analysis speed, the resulting data can still be used to classify tissue types on the basis of a previously constructed model. This is particularly interesting for clinical applications, where fast, reliable diagnosis is required. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Analytical Validation of a Portable Mass Spectrometer Featuring Interchangeable, Ambient Ionization Sources for High Throughput Forensic Evidence Screening

Forensic evidentiary backlogs are indicative of the growing need for cost-effective, high-throughput instrumental methods. One such emerging technology that shows high promise in meeting this demand while also allowing on-site forensic investigation is portable mass spectrometric (MS) instrumentation, particularly that which enables the coupling to ambient ionization techniques. While the benefits of rapid, on-site screening of contraband can be anticipated, the inherent legal implications of field-collected data necessitates that the analytical performance of technology employed be commensurate with accepted techniques. To this end, comprehensive analytical validation studies are required before broad incorporation by forensic practitioners can be considered, and are the focus of this work. Pertinent performance characteristics such as throughput, selectivity, accuracy/precision, method robustness, and ruggedness have been investigated. Reliability in the form of false positive/negative response rates is also assessed, examining the effect of variables such as user training and experience level. To provide flexibility toward broad chemical evidence analysis, a suite of rapidly-interchangeable ion sources has been developed and characterized through the analysis of common illicit chemicals and emerging threats like substituted phenethylamines. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

DESI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry is a technique that allows chemical information to be obtained directly from a wide range of surfaces. Using a 2D stage, DESI can be implemented in an imaging mode whereby MS spectra are collected by rastering the spray across the whole surface. Here, we describe the implementation and optimization of DESI imaging for metabolites and lipids from tissue sections using oa-TOF mass spectrometers.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Oncology Drug Discovery

Over the last decade mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has been integrated in to many areas of drug discovery and development. It can have significant impact in oncology drug discovery as it allows efficacy and safety of compounds to be assessed against the backdrop of the complex tumour microenvironment. We will discuss the roles of MSI in investigating compound and metabolite biodistribution and defining pharmacokinetic -pharmacodynamic relationships, analysis that is applicable to all drug discovery projects. We will then look more specifically at how MSI can be used to understand tumour metabolism and other applications specific to oncology research. This will all be described alongside the challenges of applying MSI to industry research with increased use of metrology for MSI.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Cancer Research: Future Perspectives

In the last decade mass spectrometry imaging has developed rapidly, in terms of multiple new instrumentation innovations, expansion of target molecules, and areas of application. Mass spectrometry imaging has already had a substantial impact in cancer research, uncovering biomolecular changes associated with disease progression, diagnosis, and prognosis. Many new approaches are incorporating the use of readily available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cancer tissues from pathology centers, including tissue blocks, biopsy specimens, and tumor microarrays. It is also increasingly used in drug formulation development as an inexpensive method to determine the distributions of drugs and their metabolites. In this chapter, we offer a perspective in the current and future methodological developments and how these may open up new vistas for cancer research.

Effects of Tailored Surface Chemistry on Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: a Surface-Analytical Study by XPS and AFM

Since it was proposed for the first time, desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) has been evaluated for applicability in numerous areas. Elucidations of the ionization mechanisms and the subsequent formation of isolated gas-phase ions have been proposed so far. In this context, the role of both surface and pneumatic effects on ion-formation yield has recently been investigated. Nevertheless, the effect of the surface chemistry has not yet been completely understood. Functionalized glass surfaces have been prepared, in order to tailor surface performance for ion formation. Three substrates were functionalized by depositing three different silanes [3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MTES), octyltriethoxysilane (OTES), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxy-silane (FOTES)] from toluene solution onto standard glass slides. Surface characterization was carried out by contact-angle measurements, tapping-mode atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Morphologically homogeneous and thickness-controlled films in the nm range were obtained, with surface free energies lying between 15 and 70 mJ/m(2). These results are discussed, together with those of DESI-MS on low-molecular-weight compounds such as melamine, tetracycline, and lincomycin, also taking into account the effects of the sprayer potential and its correlation with surface wettability. The results demonstrate that ion-formation efficiency is affected by surface wettability, and this was demonstrated operating above and below the onset of the electrospray.

Future technology insight: mass spectrometry imaging as a tool in drug research and development

In pharmaceutical research, understanding the biodistribution, accumulation and metabolism of drugs in tissue plays a key role during drug discovery and development. In particular, information regarding pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and transport properties of compounds in tissues is crucial during early screening. Historically, the abundance and distribution of drugs have been assessed by well-established techniques such as quantitative whole-body autoradiography (WBA) or tissue homogenization with LC/MS analysis. However, WBA does not distinguish active drug from its metabolites and LC/MS, while highly sensitive, does not report spatial distribution. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can discriminate drug and its metabolites and endogenous compounds, while simultaneously reporting their distribution. MSI data are influencing drug development and currently used in investigational studies in areas such as compound toxicity. In in vivo studies MSI results may soon be used to support new drug regulatory applications, although clinical trial MSI data will take longer to be validated for incorporation into submissions. We review the current and future applications of MSI, focussing on applications for drug discovery and development, with examples to highlight the impact of this promising technique in early drug screening. Recent sample preparation and analysis methods that enable effective MSI, including quantitative analysis of drugs from tissue sections will be summarized and key aspects of methodological protocols to increase the effectiveness of MSI analysis for previously undetectable targets addressed. These examples highlight how MSI has become a powerful tool in drug research and development and offers great potential in streamlining the drug discovery process.

The importance of mass spectrometric dereplication in fungal secondary metabolite analysis

Having entered the Genomic Era, it is now evident that the biosynthetic potential of filamentous fungi is much larger than was thought even a decade ago. Fungi harbor many cryptic gene clusters encoding for the biosynthesis of polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and terpenoids - which can all undergo extensive modifications by tailoring enzymes - thus potentially providing a large array of products from a single pathway. Elucidating the full chemical profile of a fungal species is a challenging exercise, even with elemental composition provided by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) used in combination with chemical databases (e.g., AntiBase) to dereplicate known compounds. This has led to a continuous effort to improve chromatographic separation in conjunction with improvement in HRMS detection. Major improvements have also occurred with 2D chromatography, ion-mobility, MS/MS and MS(3), stable isotope labeling feeding experiments, classic UV/Vis, and especially automated data-mining and metabolomics software approaches as the sheer amount of data generated is now the major challenge. This review will focus on the development and implementation of dereplication strategies and will highlight the importance of each stage of the process from sample preparation to chromatographic separation and finally toward both manual and more targeted methods for automated dereplication of fungal natural products using state-of-the art MS instrumentation.