Gold nanoparticles assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and applications: from simple molecules to intact cells

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (GALDI-MS) provided new horizons and offered many functions for various applications. This review summarized AuNPs applications for analytical, biotechnology and proteomics. AuNPs efficiently absorbed the laser radiation and transferred the energy to the analyte for the desorption/ionization process. The unique features of AuNPs such as large surface area and high absorption coefficient lead not only to high resolution, low interference and low limit of detection, but also offered selective detection for certain species. AuNPs provided an excellent surface for the analysis of several species such as small molecules, biomarkers, proteins and cells (pathogenic bacteria or cancer cells). AuNPs played many roles such as surface for LDI-MS, probe and stationary phase for separation or preconcentration. AuNPs modified various surface chemistry was applied for a wide range of different wavelength. AuNPs severed as a source of Au+ ions that were suitable for analyte cationisation. Characterization of Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) by mass spectrometry, pros and cons were also highlighted.