Lipid imaging with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta 2011-11, Vol.1811 (11), p.976-990
• Main Authors: Passarelli, Melissa K., Winograd, Nicholas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytic Sample Preparation Methods; Animals; C 60+QSTAR; Cluster source; Humans; image analysis; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; J105 3D Chemical Imager Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS); Lipid; lipids; Lipids - analysis; Lipids - chemistry; mass spectrometry; Organ Specificity; Sample preparation; Single-Cell Analysis; Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion - instrumentation; Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion - methods; ToF-SIMS; yields
• ISSN: 1388-1981; 0006-3002; 1879-2618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.05.007

Fundamental advances in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) now allow for the examination and characterization of lipids directly from biological materials. The successful application of SIMS-based imaging in the investigation of lipids directly from tissue and cells are demonstrated. Common complications and technical pitfalls are discussed. In this review, we examine the use of cluster ion sources and cryogenically compatible sample handling for improved ion yields and to expand the application potential of SIMS. Methodological improvements, including pre-treating the sample to improve ion yields and protocol development for 3-dimensional analyses (i.e. molecular depth profiling), are also included in this discussion. New high performance SIMS instruments showcasing the most advanced instrumental developments, including tandem MS capabilities and continuous ion beam compatibility, are described and the future direction for SIMS in lipid imaging is evaluated. ► Recent instrumental and sample preparation methodologicaladvances achieved in ToF- SIMS, as well as the successful applications of these advances in the detection of lipid from biological material are described in this review. ► The performance of ToF-SIMS in the analysis of lipids is compared to similar imaging techniques, including MALDI, DESI and dynamic SIMS. ► Various lipid species detected and identified using ToF-SIMS are compiled in tables and organized using the lipid classification system established by the Lipid MAPS consortium. ► State-of-the-art ToF-SIMS instruments, the J105 3D Chemical Imager and C 60 +-QSTAR, are described and their potential application in the field of lipidomics is discussed.