Lipidoak aztertu eta identifikatzeko TLC kromatografiaren eta MALDI masa-espektrometriaren arteko akoplamendua

Abstract

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is a powerful technique to separate and characterize several molecules. On the other hand, nowadays the use of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to identify molecules is increasing drastically. Besides, this technique allows to generate images by Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS). IMS is a perfect technique to analize the distribution of lipids in biological tissues. This technique allows the identification and localization of different lipids, without previous knowledge of the compound or chemical family. Since it is not neccesary to select the compound of interest before the MS acquisition, it is possible to generate images of each detected ion. In this work, TLC plates have been used to improve MALDI IMS. The combination of these techniques proves to be suited for lipid research.