Molecular histology analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry using gold nanoparticles as matrix

Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2011 Dec 30;25(24):3690-6. doi: 10.1002/rcm.5281.

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were applied and optimized as matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis of animal tissues, and enabled histological analysis of animal tissues at molecular level by imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). AuNPs were coated on animal tissue in a solvent-free manner via argon ion sputtering. Metabolites, including neurotransmitters, fatty acids and nucleobases, were directly detected from mouse brain tissue. Based on region-specific chemical profiles, fine histological features of mouse brain tissue and heterogeneous regions of tumor tissue were both revealed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argon
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain Chemistry
  • Brain Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Female
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Histocytochemistry / methods*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • Argon
  • Gold