From Pixel to Voxel: A Deeper View of Biological Tissue by 3D Mass Spectral Imaging

Abstract

Three dimensional mass spectral imaging (3D MSI) is an exciting field that grants the ability to study a broad mass range of molecular species ranging from small molecules to large proteins by creating lateral and vertical distribution maps of select compounds. Although the general premise behind 3D MSI is simple, factors such as choice of ionization method, sample handling, software considerations and many others must be taken into account for the successful design of a 3D MSI experiment. This review provides a brief overview of ionization methods, sample preparation, software types and technological advancements driving 3D MSI research of a wide range of low- to high-mass analytes. Future perspectives in this field are also provided to conclude that the positive and promises ever-growing applications in the biomedical field with continuous developments of this powerful analytical tool.

Mass spectrometric analysis of spatio-temporal dynamics of crustacean neuropeptides

“…However, when 2D ion density maps of one neuropeptide are stacked in consecutive orders, comprehensive 3D spatial distribution throughout the entire tissue could provide a complete picture of neuropeptide localization in a complex neuronal structure such as brain (Figure 2). Detailed reviews about 3D MS imaging are available elsewhere [49, 99, 100]. As an example, Chen et al [41] demonstrated the reconstruction of more than 20 neuropeptides from 8 families in the 3D volume of the C. borealis brain by creating consecutive series of seven layers of brain sections with equal intervals.…”

Challenges and Recent Advances in Mass Spectrometric Imaging of Neurotransmitters

“…Additionally, MSI has been used for biomarker discovery studies in several disease models, including Parkinson’s disease [127], Alzheimer’s disease [128] and cortical spreading depression [125]. Numerous excellent reviews and book chapters have summarized the MSI workflow, techniques and applications to neuropeptides [47,129–132]. Ye et al used a high-mass-resolution and high-mass-accuracy MALDI-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance instrument to map neuropeptide distribution in the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system at cellular resolution [121].…”

Qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry imaging of drugs and metabolites

“…Qualitative molecular imaging is now a rather straight-forward process, and even more novel approaches are being developed, such as three-dimensional MSI that simultaneously maps lateral distribution and depth penetration within tissues [100, 101]. However, MSI has not reached universal acceptance in pharmaceutical science due to remaining challenges that must be overcome.…”