This volume presents new developments in the field of mass spectrometry imaging, covering imaging, software, data analysis, new instrumentations, and new methodological approaches. Chapters provide detailed operational instructions from sample preparation to method selection, from comparative quantification to structural identification and from data collection to visualization of small molecule mapping in complex samples. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Authoritative and cutting-edge, Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Small Molecules aims to to bring the rapidly maturing methods of metabolic imaging to life science researchers and to minimize technical intimidation in adapting new technological platforms in biological research.

Current Status and Future Prospects of Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Small Molecules.- Sample Preparation for 3D SIMS Chemical Imaging of Cells.- TOF-SIMS Imaging of Lipids on Rat Brain Sections.- MALDI-MS Assisted Molecular Imaging of Metabolites in Legume Plants.- MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Lipids and Primary Metabolites on Rat Brain Sections.- Multiplex MALDI-MS Imaging of Plant Metabolites Using a Hybrid MS System.- DESI Imaging of Small Molecules in Biological Tissues.- Desorption Electrospray Ionization Imaging of Small Organics on Mineral Surfaces.- Imaging of Plant Materials Using Indirect Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.- Imaging of Lipids and Metabolites Using Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.- Electrospray Laser Desorption Ionization (ELDI) Mass Spectrometry for Molecular Imaging of Small Molecules on Tissues.- Automated Cell-By-Cell Tissue Imaging and Single Cell Analysis for Targeted Morphologies by Laser Ablation Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.- Laser Ablation Sample Transfer for Mass Spectrometry Imaging.- Nanostructure-Based Mass Spectrometry: High Sensitivity, Enzyme Activity Analysis and Metabolite Imaging.- Nanostructure-Initiator Mass Spectrometry (NIMS) for Molecular Mapping of Animal Tissues.- Nanoparticle-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization for Metabolite Imaging.-Matrix-Enhanced Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ME-SALDI-MS) for Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Small Molecules.- Laser Desorption Postionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Biological Targets.- Data Processing and Analysis for Mass Spectrometry Imaging.