LDI-MS performance of gold nanostars as an inorganic matrix for low molecular weight analytes.

Anisotropy at the nanoscale fascinates researchers in various areas of science and technology. Well-known applications of anisotropic nanoparticles include biosensors and catalysis. However, utilization of gold nanostars in analytical chemistry is limited to surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. LDI-MS assisted with gold nanostars has not been addressed for low molecular weight compounds. Herein, we report LDI-MS performance of phospholipids at nanomolar concentrations with application of gold nanostars for the first time. Intense signals of molecular ions were detected as metal adduct ions with relatively low fragmentation and signals of interferences in low-mass region. Nanostars were characterized with utilization of electron microscopic, X-Ray powder diffraction and dynamic light scattering techniques. The results showed that gold nanostars can serve as a bright perspective for new inorganic matrices in LDI-MS of low molecular weight compounds. [Display omitted] • LDI-MS performance of gold nanostars was reported for the first time. • Gold nanostars as inorganic matrix allowed registration of phospholipids at nanomolar level. • The study shows a bright perspective for future utilization of gold nanostars in LDI-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]