The ongoing evolution of laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: Some observations on current trends and future directions.

The practice of laser desorption/ionization (LDI) mass spectrometry continues to evolve. In the most commonly adopted manifestation of LDI, matrix assisted LDI, attention continues to be directed towards novel sample application strategies and modifications to the sample plate. Specifically, researchers continue to explore adaptations to the conventional, stainless steel sample plate that is the centerpiece of conventional LDI. Numerous variants of LDI-MS have been reported based on modifications of the plate surface, but none of these is widely adopted, either by end-users or by instrument manufacturers. Further, at this time, advances in surface engineering have had only modest impact on day-to-day operation. In this article, we review and discuss some of the numerous, but scattered reports on novel LDI strategies with an emphasis on modified sample support substrates and plates. We discuss and highlight innovations that have the potential to markedly enhance the utility of LDI-MS.