Laser Microprobe Mass Spectrometry: Principle and Applications in Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) is an interesting technique for micro- and surface analysis. It employs local ionization by a focused laser under high power density conditions and subsequent mass analysis of the generated ions. This paper surveys the main LMMS instruments and their operational principles. Sample preparation is discussed in the context of biological materials. The problem of quantification is addressed. Selected examples show the way that precise information on the molecular composition can be deduced from the detected signals. Both inorganic and organic substances can be identified, even without reference spectra, from in-situ analysis with a lateral resolution in the order of 1 to 5 micrograms.

Chemometrics and theoretical approaches for evaluation of matrix effect in laser ablation and ionization of metal samples

“…Based on LA, many excellent analytical techniques have been developed, including Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) [10], Laser Microprobe Mass Spectrometry (LMMS) [11], Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometry (LIBS) [12], Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Spectrometry (MALDI) [13] and Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LIMS) [14]. By utilizing LA, time-consuming and complicated sample pretreatment procedures can be eliminated, and less contamination is supposed to be introduced into sample in comparison with solution methods [15].…”

Quantitation of Trace Metals in Liquid Samples by Dried-Droplet Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

“…Lasers spanning the UV to IR have been primarily used under both vacuum and atmospheric pressure conditions to achieve desorption, ionization, and fragmentation of samples. The most important laser-based MS techniques include matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, laser ablation ICPMS, infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS), two-step laser desorption/laser ionization mass spectrometry (L 2 M), and laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS) . Of these, laser ablation and MALDI are probably the two most commonly used techniques.…”

Mechanical stirring: Novel engineering approach for in situ spectroscopic analysis of melt at high temperature

“…Among mass spectrometry techniques, laser ionization mass spectrometer (LIMS) [ [32] , [33] , [34] ] can be coupled with the presented probe here. LIMS operates by removing ions from the sample using a micro-focused high-density laser beam, and then analyzing the mass of these ions.…”