Matrix-enhanced nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry (ME-NIMS) for small molecule detection and imaging

Abstract

We describe here the development of a new hybrid ionization approach, matrix-enhanced nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry (ME-NIMS). It combines the strengths of two demonstrated MS ionization methods, matrix-enhanced surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (ME-SALDI) and nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS), and exhibits significantly improved sensitivity and better reproducibility for small molecule and peptide detection. Similarly improved performance from ME-NIMS was seen in the detection of lipids and small drug molecules during tissue imaging. At least an order of magnitude improvement in the limit of detection of pentamidine was demonstrated compared to using conventional NIMS only.