Ambient ionization strategies for the characterization of microbial systems via mass spectrometry

H.S. Shepard, J.C. May, J.A. McLean

Ambient mass spectrometry: rapid, in situ insights into microbial systems
Ambient ionization mass spectrometry is transforming microbial analysis by enabling rapid, high-throughput, and in situ chemical characterization with minimal sample preparation. This overview highlights key ambient MS platforms, including DESI-MS, DART-MS, paper spray MS, and SESI-MS,and their growing impact on microbial profiling and imaging of complex, fragile substrates. By capturing microbial biochemistry in real time, ambient MS is opening new avenues for fast diagnostics, spatially resolved analysis, and advanced microbiological research.