Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (nano-DESI MSI): A Tutorial Review

Abstract

Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) is a liquid-based ambient mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technique that enables visualization of analyte distributions in biological samples down to cellular-level spatial resolution. Since its inception, significant advancements have been made to the nano-DESI experimental platform to facilitate molecular imaging with high throughput, deep molecular coverage, and spatial resolution better than 10 μm. The molecular selectivity of nano-DESI MSI has been enhanced using new data acquisition strategies, the development of separation and online derivatization approaches for isobar separation and isomer-selective imaging, and the optimization of the working solvent composition to improve analyte extraction and ionization efficiency. Furthermore, nano-DESI MSI research has underscored the importance of matrix effects and established normalization methods for accurately measuring concentration gradients in complex biological samples. This tutorial offers a comprehensive guide to nano-DESI experiments, detailing fundamental principles and data acquisition and processing methods and discussing essential operational parameters.