Application and Characterization of Novel Mid-IR Glucoloop Laser for Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Small Molecule Screening

Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) is an ambient ionization source often used for mass spectrometry imaging and screening of small molecules in solution by high throughput screening. A novel mid-IR laser, developed by Glucoloop (Ivy), was utilized to achieve 20 μm ablation spot sizes with high and reproducible signal across a variety of sample types, including brain and plant tissues, the primary focus of this proof-of-concept study. The laser was also used for detection of small molecule pharmaceuticals in aqueous solutions, showing high consistency (11% CV) and very low carryover between wells. These results highlight the potential of the Glucoloop laser system to enable high-resolution, high-sensitivity IR-MALDESI analyses across a broad range of biological sample types. Its performance supports further development for both imaging and high-throughput screening applications.