Chem. J. Chinese Universities ›› 2024, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (11): 20240285.doi: 10.7503/cjcu20240285

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Advances in MALDI MS Matrices for the Detection of Small Molecules

XU Hongmei1, WANG Liangchen1, MIN Qianhao2()   

  1. 1.Institute of Environmental Science,Shanxi University,Taiyuan 030006,China
    2.State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Nanjing University,Nanjing 210023,China
  • Received:2024-06-13 Online:2024-11-10 Published:2024-08-30
  • Contact: MIN Qianhao E-mail:minqianhao@nju.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22104075);the Applied Basic Research Project of Shanxi Province, China(20210302124014)

Abstract:

The analysis of small molecules is of great interest to profile the distribution of small pharmaceutical drugs rapidly, or to trace and understand metabolic pathways. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry(MALDI MS) plays a central role in the analysis of biological molecules. However, its application for analysis of low molecular weight compounds is restricted by conventional organic matrices interferences in the low m/z region. In addition, inhomogeneity of matrix and sample crystals also impedes the detection repeatability and imaging spatial resolution. Several strategies regarding matrices preparation and functionalization have been investigated to overcome this problem. This review gives an overview on the rational design strategies used to develop matrix systems for the analysis of small molecules, focusing on the exploration of deprotonating matrices, modified conventional matrices, high molecular weight organic matrices, reactive matrices, and nanomaterial-based matrices. In final, the design and application of the new matrices for mass spectrometry analysis of small molecules are summarized and prospected.

Key words: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, Mass spectrometry imaging, Analysis of small molecule

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