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A one‐step matrix application method for MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of bacterial colony biofilms
Author(s) -
Li Bin,
Comi Troy J.,
Si Tong,
Dunham Sage J. B.,
Sweedler Jonathan V.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9888
pISSN - 1076-5174
DOI - 10.1002/jms.3827
Subject(s) - chemistry , biofilm , mass spectrometry imaging , mass spectrometry , agar , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , matrix (chemical analysis) , bacillus subtilis , desorption , chromatography , maldi imaging , agar plate , ion suppression in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry , analytical chemistry (journal) , bacteria , organic chemistry , genetics , adsorption , liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry , biology
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging of biofilms cultured on agar plates is challenging because of problems related to matrix deposition onto agar. We describe a one‐step, spray‐based application of a 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid solution for direct matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging of hydrated Bacillus subtilis biofilms on agar. Using both an optimized airbrush and a home‐built automatic sprayer, region‐specific distributions of signaling metabolites and cannibalistic factors were visualized from B. subtilis cells cultivated on biofilm‐promoting medium. The approach provides a homogeneous, relatively dry coating on hydrated samples, improving spot to spot signal repeatability compared with sieved matrix application, and is easily adapted for imaging a range of agar‐based biofilms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.