Characterizing in situ Glycerophospholipids with SIMS and MALDI Methodologies

The dual functionality of a C(60) (+)-Q-Star hybrid instrument allows for the examination of complex lipid profiles with both MALDI and SIMS methodologies.([1]) The difficulties associated with characterizing lipids in situ - isobaric interference and salt contamination - are discussed. The inherent advantages of both methodologies were used to deconvolute complex lipid spectra and establish characteristic fragmentation pathways. The high lateral resolution of SIMS allows for single cell images of aplysia californica neurons, while the established protocols were utilized to identify a major lipid component.