Applications Mass spectrometry imaging, analytical applications of nanoparticles, separations

Mass spectrometry imaging of small molecules in biological tissues

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allows visualization of the spatial distribution of hundreds of unlabeled molecules in biological tissues. MALDI MSI is performed directly from thin tissue slices covered with matrix. Deposition of MALDI matrix is the key step of the entire experiment. For reproducible matrix deposition, we use sublimation, airbrush and piezoelectric dispensers. The developer method was used for mapping of mouse brain and 3D cell aggregates.

Obrázky distribuce lipidů v řezu hemisféry myšího mozku
Multimodal imaging is a growing scientific field, which uses various analytical approaches to spatially visualize atoms, molecules or more comprehensive features in samples. The samples may be inorganic or of living nature; our current research focuses mainly on analysis of small 3D cancer cell aggregates. These models are very important for study of anticancer agents and allow the determination of both mechanisms of action and effects of these drugs on cancer cell viability and function. For multimodal analysis of cell aggregates, we use MS imaging (MALDI MS, ICP MS) and confocal fluorescent microscopy (LSCM). Results of these techniques are compared and correlated to explain biological and chemical processes.
Multimodal imaging (MALDI MSI and LSCM)

Characterization of nanoparticles using SALD SP-ICP MS

With a properly adjusted laser pulse energy, substrate-assisted laser desorption can be employed for introduction of intact nanoparticles into plasma for their individual qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Characterization of nanoparticles using SP ICP MS

CE-LIF of red food colorants, B vitamin and GFP

Capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence is a highly sensitive method. When properly tuned, the detection limits can be in the range of hundreds of molecules for analytes with high quantum yield, e.g. rhodamine 6G.

Our CE-LIF instruments were employed in analyses of B vitamin in beer, red food colorants and GFP-AH5 (green fluorescent protein and Arabidopsis histidine phophotransferase 5) for study of AHP5 phosphorylation.

CE-LIF peak of 1 pM rhodamine 6G

References

Ryvolová, M; Táborský, P; Vrábel, P; Krásenský, P.; Preisler, J. “Sensitive determination of erythrosine and other red food colorants using capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection”, J. Chromatogr. A 2007, 1141, 206-211.

Vrábel, P; Táborský, P; Ryvolová, M; Havel, J.; Preisler, J. “Sensitive Detection and Separation of Fluorescent Derivatives using Capillary Electrophoresis with Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection with 532 nm Nd:YAG Laser”, J. Lumin. 2006, 118, 283-292.