Evidence map›Paper›PMID 36756683›Full record

ArticleRapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM2025

3D printer platform and conductance feedback loop for automated imaging of uneven surfaces by liquid microjunction-surface sampling probe mass spectrometry.

Matthias Hermann, Haidy Metwally, Jian Yu, Rachael Smith, Hailey Tomm, Martin Kaufmann, Kevin Y M Ren, Chang Liu, Yves LeBlanc, Thomas R Covey and 2 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Matthias HermannDepartment of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5213-9827
Haidy MetwallyDepartment of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Jian YuDepartment of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Rachael SmithDepartment of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Hailey TommDepartment of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Martin KaufmannDepartment of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Kevin Y M RenDepartment of Pathology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Chang LiuSCIEX, Concord, Ontario, Canada.
Yves LeBlancSCIEX, Concord, Ontario, Canada.
Thomas R CoveySCIEX, Concord, Ontario, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7871-2492
Avena C RossDepartment of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Richard D OleschukDepartment of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2783-7532

Funding

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada RGPIN 2016-0470Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada STPGP 401252850
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

rationaleMolecular imaging of samples using mass spectrometric techniques, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization or desorption electrospray ionization, requires the sample surface to be even/flat and sliced into thin sections (c. 10 μm). Furthermore, sample preparation steps can alter the analyte composition of the sample. The liquid microjunction-surface sampling probe (LMJ-SSP) is a robust sampling interface that enables surface profiling with minimal sample preparation. In conjunction with a conductance feedback system, the LMJ-SSP can be used to automatically sample uneven specimens.

methodsA sampling stage was built with a modified 3D printer where the LMJ-SSP is attached to the printing head. This setup can scan across flat and even surfaces in a predefined pattern ("static sampling mode"). Uneven samples are automatically probed in "conductance sampling mode" where an electric potential is applied and measured at the probe. When the probe contacts the electrically grounded sample, the potential at the probe drops, which is used as a feedback signal to determine the optimal position of the probe for sampling each location.

resultsThe applicability of the probe/sensing system was demonstrated by first examining the strawberry tissue using the "static sampling mode." Second, porcine tissue samples were profiled using the "conductance sampling mode." With minimal sample preparation, an area of 11 × 15 mm was profiled in less than 2 h. From the obtained results, adipose areas could be distinguished from non-adipose parts. The versatility of the approach was further demonstrated by directly sampling the bacteria colonies on agar and resected human kidney (intratumoral hemorrhage) specimens with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 4 mm.

conclusionThe LMJ-SSP in conjunction with a conductive feedback system is a powerful tool that allows for fast, reproducible, and automated assessment of uneven surfaces with minimal sample preparation. This setup could be used for perioperative assessment of tissue samples, food screening, and natural product discovery, among others.

Indexed as

Mass SpectrometryMolecular ImagingPrinting, Three-DimensionalAnimalsEquipment DesignKidneySurface PropertiesSwine

Identifiers

PMID36756683
PMCPMC12062779

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.