Review of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in analysis and imaging of small molecules

Abstract

With the development and wide application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), it has been an important research to analyze the small molecules in the field of mass spectrometry. Due to the suppression effects and background interference of conventional organic matrix in the low mass range, it seems powerless for MALDI to analyze small molecules. To solve this problem, many efforts including new matrix, analytes derivatization have been tried. This review presents the development of MALDI-MS in analysis of small molecules as well as MALDI-MSI of small molecules.