Integrating ion mobility and imaging mass spectrometry for comprehensive analysis of biological tissues: A brief review and perspective
Emilio Rivera, Katerina Djambazova, Elizabeth K. Neumann, Richard M. Caprioli, Jeffrey M. Spraggins
Abstract
The ion separation capability of ion mobility has major advantages when coupled to mass spectrometry to significantly simplify spectral complexity. Moreover, use of ion mobility for discrimination of ions with similar or equal m/z is invaluable for direct tissue analysis where MS instruments cannot distinguish structural isomers using mass resolving power alone. Ion mobility has been integrated with imaging MS (IMS), providing efficient ion separation prior to mass analysis and providing increased signal-to-noise. As the resolving power of ion mobility technologies continues to improve, applications of ion mobility-IMS to discriminate biomolecules closer in m/z without the need for ultra-high mass resolving power mass spectrometers will be of significant benefit. In this perspective special feature article, the authors briefly describe recent advances in the field of ion mobility-IMS. They also discuss how recent advances impact the current state of the ion mobility-IMS field as well as implications for the future. Jeffrey Spraggins is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and is a member of the Mass Spectrometry Research Center (MSRC) at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Richard Caprioli is Professor in Biochemistry and Director of the MSRC. Their research is focused on developing new mass spectrometric technologies to enhance biomolecular imaging experiments.