American Chemical Society, Analytical Chemistry, 4(86), p. 2033-2041, 2014
DOI: 10.1021/ac4031779
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Imaging samples on a surface by mass spectrometry (MS) requires the combination of MS detection with a scanning mode that enables localized desorption and ionization and/or detection of sample analytes with good spatial resolution. We have developed a new mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) method based on electrostatic spray ionization. It works under ambient conditions and can be applied to a wide range of molecules providing quantitative MS analysis even in the presence of salts in excess. 2D MS images of protein and peptide spots, inkjet-printed black dye patterns and cells were obtained. The presented novel ambient ionization mass spectrometry imaging method can find many applications in analytical and bioanalytical chemistry.