The characterization of living bacterial colonies using nanospray desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) enable detailed molecular characterization of living bacterial colonies directly from nutrient agar. The ability to detect molecular signatures of living microbial communities is important for investigating metabolic exchange between species without affecting the viability of the colonies. We describe the protocol for bacterial growth, sample preparation, ambient profiling, and data analysis of microbial communities using nano-DESI MS.
Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 999, MSIN K8-88, Richland, WA, 99352, USA.
Brandi S
BS
Heath
Matthew J
MJ
Marshall
Julia
J
Laskin
D001419:Bacteria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004867:Equipment Design; D059013:Microbial Consortia; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*