ABSTRACT
Mass spectrometry (MS) can provide qualitative as well as quantitative information for a wide variety of compound classes. MS imaging combines these capabilities with information on the location of analytes within a sample. Sample preparation is probably the most critical step in Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization MS imaging. Another crucial step in sample preparation is the application of a matrix which is necessary to desorb and ionize sample components. In microprobe mode imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) a series of mass spectra are recorded at a surface. In microscope mode IMS a large-diameter laser beam is used as a desorption and ionization medium. The MS Imaging Society aims to share the knowledge on MS imaging. imzML is a common data format for MS imaging. The purpose of imzML is to facilitate the exchange and processing of MS imaging data. There are many free software packages available for the visualization and mining of imaging MS data.
