Laser ablation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry focusing on bioimaging from elemental distribution using MatLab software: a practical guide

The parameters influencing laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry as a tool for imaging elemental distribution in tissues are critically commented on in this work, and penile cancer tissue was used as a model. General aspects of LA-ICP-MS are discussed, and among them, issues regarding sample preparation and calibration. The optimization process of the following variables is described in detail in a step-by-step tutorial manner: laser intensity, laser frequency, laser resolution, ICP radiofrequency, nebulizer and auxiliary gas flow rates, and C isotopes as internal standards. Once the best condition is found for each variable, MATLAB software is used to generate two-dimensional images. Herein it is also explained how to use MATLAB software to generate tissue images using acquisition, exporting and data treatment parameters.