Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Metabolites by Nanostructure Initiator Mass Spectrometry with Fluorinated Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS) with fluorinated gold nanoparticles (f-AuNPs) enables the detection and spatial localization of a breath of polar metabolites and lipids with high spatial resolution and ultrasensitivity. Here we describe the methods and procedures for the synthesis and application of f-AuNPs for NIMS of small molecule metabolites and lipids in biological tissues, encompassing sample preparation, mass spectrometric detection, and data analysis and interpretation.

Keywords: Gold nanoparticles; Mass spectrometry imaging; Metabolism heterogeneity; Metabolite imaging; Metabolomics; Nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry.