Matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation ion mobility separation mass spectrometry imaging of ex-vivo human skin

Matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation ion mobility separation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-IMS-MSI) has been employed to image the distribution of proteins in ex-vivo human skin. Using a “bottom-up” proteomics approach employing “on-tissue” digestion the distribution of abundant skin proteins; collagen, keratin, decorin and serum albumin could be mapped. Images have been recorded at 150 and 30 μm spatial resolution. Multivariate statistical analysis of the data has been employed to associate specific proteins with layers of the skin. The improved specificity given by the use of ion mobility separation in mass spectrometric imaging has been demonstrated by separation of peptide ions from phospholipids.