Silicon‐Based Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Biomolecules: A Progress Report

Abstract

Abstract Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) is widely used in the biomedical field for the label‐free analysis of molecules such as drugs, lipids, peptides, proteins, and biological tissues for molecular imaging. However, organic matrices used in traditional MALDI‐MS applications introduce excessive interferences in the low m / z range. For this reason, nanostructured materials—and in particular silicon‐based LDI strategies—have become a promising alternative, since they provide a much weaker background. Herein, the recent developments in fabrication, functionalization, and practical applications of silicon‐based LDI‐MS methods are reviewed. Also the basic requirements of silicon‐based substrates for optimal LDI analysis by providing an overview of the LDI mechanisms that use silicon‐based substrates instead of organic matrices are reported. Finally, the considerable potential of silicon‐based substrates is discussed, giving suggestions for topics for future research.