Next-Generation Infrared Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Electrospray Ionization Source for Mass Spectrometry Imaging and High-Throughput Screening
Kevan T. Knizner, Jacob P. Guymon, Kenneth P. Garrard, Guy Bouvrée, Jeffrey G. Manni, Jan-Peter Hauschild, Kerstin Strupat, Kyle L. Fort, Lee Earley, Eloy R. Wouters, Fan Pu, Andrew J. Radosevich, Nathaniel L. Elsen, Jon D. Williams, Mark Pankow, David C. Muddiman
Abstract
Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) is a hybrid, ambient ionization source that combines the advantages of electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, making it a versatile tool for both high-throughput screening (HTS) and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) studies. To expand the capabilities of the IR-MALDESI source, an entirely new architecture was designed to overcome the key limitations of the previous source. This next-generation (NextGen) IR-MALDESI source features a vertically mounted IR-laser, a planar translation stage with computerized sample height control, an aluminum enclosure, and a novel mass spectrometer interface plate. The NextGen IR-MALDESI source has improved user-friendliness, improved overall versatility, and can be coupled to numerous Orbitrap mass spectrometers to accommodate more research laboratories. In this work, we highlight the benefits of the NextGen IR-MALDESI source as an improved platform for MSI and direct analysis. We also optimize the NextGen MALDESI source component geometries to increase target ion abundances over a wide m/z range. Finally, documentation is provided for each NextGen IR-MALDESI part so that it can be replicated and incorporated into any lab space.