Development of benzimidazole derivatives as efficient matrices for the analysis of acidic small-molecule compounds using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry in negative ion mode.

Rationale: With the development of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) in spatial localisation omics research on small molecules, the detection sensitivity of the matrix must increase. However, the types of matrices suitable for detecting acidic small molecules in (-) MALDI-MS mode are very limited and are either not sensitive enough or difficult to obtain.

Methods: More than 10 commercially available benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives were selected as MALDI matrices in negative ion mode.