Sample preparation for lipid analysis of intra-articular adipose tissue by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful technique enabling the visualization of the spatial distribution of different molecules in tissue biopsies with different pathologies. Sample handling and preparing adipose tissue for MSI is challenging and prone to molecular delocalization due to tissue melting. In this work, we developed a method for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI to study lipids in human infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP), a biomarker source in musculoskeletal pathologies, while preserving molecular spatial distribution. Cryosectioning at 15 μm with a temperature below -30 °C, thaw-mounting, and sublimation, was demonstrated to preserve IPFP's heterogeneous appearance and spatial distribution of lipids.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest MH, KE, GT, RH, PE, and BCP are supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) domain Applied and Engineering Sciences (P15-23). MH, BC, RH, and BCP are supported by the Dutch Province of Limburg through the LINK (Limburg Investeert in haar Kenniseconomie) program. PE and BCP are supported by the Dutch Arthritis Society. PE has got a speaker consultancy fee paid to institute by Episurf and Arthrex (support for attending meeting). PE is involved with participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board (paid to institute) by Expert panel for Atro-Medical and Advisory board of TETEC AG. PE is vice chair of the international registree committee for joint-preserving surgery of the ICRS (no payments). PE is shareholder in Chondropeptix and Avalanche Medical.
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