Mass spectral libraries: A statistical review of the visible use

Abstract

The review presents current status of the use of mass spectral (MS) libraries as the result of the statistical analysis of the scientific literature in 2015. The ‘classical-type’ mass spectral libraries of volatile compounds intended for the most common instruments dominate in the use of the data systems (are cited in 82% of articles). The main field of chemical analysis demanding those libraries relates to aroma compounds. ‘Non-classical’ libraries based on electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry and related to non-volatile low-molecular chemicals and also peptides are used less often, in about 20% of cases. The common use of these libraries is limited by the short history of progress and inherent obstacles. Metabolomics is the principal driving force for developing new libraries of low-molecular compounds. The MS databases of protein profiles acquired by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization look very promising for identification of microorganisms in clinical diagnostics.