Advance in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

The latest development in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDIMS), a soft ionization mass spectrometry, were tentatively reviewed. The discussions, with specific examples reported in literature, focused on:i) the operation principle and technical strengths, including the high sensitivity, easy operation and wide application; ii) the progress made in instrumentation and methodologies; iii) the increasingly wide applications in biochemistry, organic chemistry, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, including but not limited to the characterization of proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, oligosaccharides, and synthetic polymers; and iv) the possible combination of MALDI ion source with a variety of mass analyzers. In addition, the development trends, existing technical problems and possible solutions were also briefly discussed in a thought-provoking way.