Lipidomics study using novel plasmonic nanoshells

Lipidomics is a rapidly expanding “omics” field based on studying the structures, functions and dynamic changes of lipids in cells, tissues or body fluids. Among the currently developed analytical tools, mass spectrometry technique holds special advantage in analysis of lipid. We reported a novel plasmonic nanoshell matrix for efficient detection of lipids. Selection of an ideal matrix with unique structural properties is an important parameter for sensitive performance in laser desorption/ionization technique. Thus, our works addresses some of these challenges providing an approach with enhanced sensitivity, minimal analyte volume, and simple pre-treatment procedures. Furthermore, identification of functional lipids as biomarkers using novel matrices could push clinical research towards advanced disease diagnostics application.