Mass spectrometry imaging of small molecules from live cells and tissues using nanomaterials

We review recently developed methods for analyzing live cells and tissues in ambient conditions without the use of harsh chemical fixation or physical freezing and drying. The first method is based on laser ablation in atmospheric pressure assisted by atmospheric pressure plasma and nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and graphene to enhance laser ablation. The second method is based on secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging of live cells in solution capped with single-layer graphene to preserve intact and hydrated biological samples even under ultrahigh vacuum for secondary ion mass spectrometry bio-imaging in solution with subcellular spatial resolution. Mass spectrometry imaging of small molecules from live cells and tissues can provide an innovative molecular imaging methodology for several biomedical and material research applications.