Dr. Pierre Chaurand, speaking at ASMS 2025 in Baltimore, describes how his lab at the University of Montreal develops imaging mass spectrometry methods to map molecular distributions in biological tissues. His team prepares thin tissue sections on flat surfaces and acquires mass spectra pixel by pixel to visualize the locations of specific biomolecules.
Because MALDI detects all ions simultaneously—unlike LC-MS, which separates analytes before detection—sensitivity and specificity can be compromised. Chaurand’s group addresses this through advanced sample preparation strategies. They design on-target chemical derivatization workflows that selectively react with specific molecular classes and build functionalized surfaces that capture only target molecules before analysis. Both approaches streamline detection and boost sensitivity by reducing chemical noise and enriching the biomolecules of interest.
