Mass spectrometry imaging with laser-induced postionization

Imaging lipid composition Chemical imaging of cell membranes can be performed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI), but low ionization efficiency often leads to a signal dominated by the main lipid components, such as abundant phosphatidylcholine species. Soltwisch et al. used a tunable laser for post-ionization of neutral species to boost the signal for other membrane components, such as cholesterol and phospho- and glycolipids. Imaging of cells and tissues with these methods allows differentiation based on a more extensive chemical signature. Science , this issue p. 211