Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of lipids using etched silver substrates

摘要: Silver-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry can be used for the analysis of small molecules. For example, adduct formation with silver cations enables molecular long-chain hydrocarbons, which are difficult to ionize via conventional matrix-assisted desorption ionization (MALDI). Here we highly porous foils, produced by etching nitric acid, as sample substrates LDI spectrometry. As model system complex lipid mixtures, cuticular extracts fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and worker bees (Apis mellifera) were investigated. The spectra obtained spotting extract onto etched demonstrate sensitive detection numerous classes such saturated unsaturated fatty acyl alcohols, wax esters, triacylglycerols. MS imaging surfaces a lateral resolution few tens micrometers became possible after blotting, i.e., transferring lipids physical contact substrate. examples pheromone-producing male hindwings squinting bush brown butterfly (Bicyclus anynana) fingermark shown. Because also easy produce, they provide viable alternative colloidal nanoparticles other so far described substrates.