Matrix Pre-Coated MALDI MS Targets for Small Molecule Imaging in Tissues

A new sample preparation method for MALDI tissue imaging has been developed for the analysis of low molecular weight compounds that employs matrix pre-coated MALDI targets. Tissue sections need only to be transferred onto the pre-coated target before analysis for fast and easy sample preparation. Pre-coated targets have a homogenous matrix coating with uniform crystals of approximately 1–2 μm and do not require solvents that may lead to analyte delocalization within a tissue section. We report here the use of matrix pre-coated targets for imaging of lipids, peptides, and pharmaceuticals in tissues.