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.

S.J. Swift, K. Dryahina, P. Španěl, F. Kontopidou, C. Kokkotis, R.Zenobi, S. Giannoukos

Breath analysis in Switzerland: advancing real-time, noninvasive clinical diagnostics
Breath analysis is emerging as a powerful, noninvasive approach to clinical diagnostics, with Switzerland at the forefront of recent advances. This perspective highlights progress since 2019, focusing on secondary electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (SESI-HR-MS) for real-time metabolic profiling. By identifying key methodological gaps and clinical challenges, it outlines the path toward translating breath analysis into routine clinical practice and precision medicine.