Proof that MALDI mass spectrometry imaging can be used on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues

Ly, A. & Buck, A. et al. (2016). High Mass Resolution MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Metabolites from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue, Nature Protocols, DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2016.081

The assessment of metabolites in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples has been met with concern due to the potential effects of tissue processing on metabolite content and chemical state. This publication presents a protocol for the in situ analysis of metabolites from FFPE samples and proves that MALDI-FT-ICR mass spectrometry imaging platforms can be applied on FFPE tissues. It is demonstrated, that the metabolite content is largely conserved in FFPE tissue samples.