Laser‐Induced Acoustic Desorption Mass Spectrometry of Single Bioparticles

Single charged bioparticles such as viruses, bacteria, and mammalian whole cells have been successfully desorbed by laser-induced acoustic waves and analyzed with a quadrupole ion-trap mass spectrometer (see picture). This approach offers a high sensitivity of detection and good accuracy of the mass measurement. The capability to measure the mass of an entire cell has broad potential in biomedical applications.