Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF–SIMS) imaging is an analytical technique rapidly expanding in use in biological studies. This technique is based on high spatial resolution (50–100 nm), high surface sensitivity (1–2 nm top-layer), and statistical analytic power. In mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), sample preparation is a crucial step to maintaining the natural state of the biomolecules and providing accurate spatial information. However, a number of problems associated with temperature changes in tissue samples such as loss of original distribution due to undesired molecular migration during the sample preparation or reduced ionization efficiency make it difficult to accurately perform MSI. Although frozen hydrate analysis is the ideal sample preparation method to eliminate the effects of temperature, this approach is hindered by mechanical limitations. Alternatively, an adhesive-tape-supported mounting and freeze-drying preparation has been proposed. This paper provides a concise review of the sample preparation procedures, a review of current issues, and proposes efficacious solutions for ToF–SIMS imaging in biological research.

中文翻译：

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用于飞行时间二次离子质谱 (ToF-SIMS) 成像的生物组织样品制备。

飞行时间二次离子质谱 (ToF-SIMS) 成像是一种在生物学研究中迅速扩展应用的分析技术。该技术基于高空间分辨率（50-100 nm）、高表面灵敏度（1-2 nm 顶层）和统计分析能力。在质谱成像 (MSI) 中，样品制备是维持生物分子自然状态和提供准确空间信息的关键步骤。然而，与组织样品中的温度变化相关的许多问题，例如由于样品制备过程中不期望的分子迁移而导致原始分布的损失或电离效率降低，使得准确执行MSI变得困难。尽管冷冻水合物分析是消除温度影响的理想样品制备方法，但这种方法受到机械限制的阻碍。或者，已经提出了胶带支持的安装和冷冻干燥制剂。本文对样品制备过程进行了简要回顾，对当前问题进行了回顾，并提出了生物研究中 ToF-SIMS 成像的有效解决方案。