Direct ionization of biological tissue for mass spectrometric analysis

Bin Hu, Ying Han Lai, Pui Kin So, Huanwen Chen, Zhongping Yao

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

77 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Analysis of biological tissue at a molecular level is of great importance in biological, medical and clinical studies. In this manuscript, we report that both plant and animal tissues can be directly ionized and analyzed by mass spectrometry under ambient conditions. By adding some solvents and applying a high voltage, spray ionization can be induced at the tip of biological tissue and a mass spectrum can be observed. Various plant and animal tissues have been tested and compounds such as lipids, alkaloids, glucosides, lignans, pharmaceuticals and proteins could be detected in the spectra. This new technique provides a simple and rapid method for tissue analysis and allows observation of compounds that cannot be detected by other ionization techniques.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3613-3619
Number of pages7
JournalAnalyst
Volume137
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Aug 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Spectroscopy
  • Electrochemistry

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