Advances in nanomaterials for surface-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry: Applications in small molecule analysis over the past five years

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) has been regarded as one of the prominent techniques in small molecule analysis, which employs nanostructured materials as substrates to replace conventional organic matrices for laser absorption and analyte desorption/ionization. The rational design and development of nanostructured substrates, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), are crucial for enhancing SALDI-MS performance. This review aims to cover the latest developments (within 5 years) in nanostructured substrates in SALDI-MS, including carbon- and silicon-based materials, metals and their oxide materials, MOFs, COFs, and other materials. The key design parameters that affect the SALDI-MS efficiency of these nanomaterials in small molecule analysis, such as pore size, surface area, and functional groups, are also discussed. Furthermore, the applications of SALDI-MS in various fields are reviewed. Lastly, the challenges and prospects for future research on the design of nanostructured substrates for SALDI-MS in small molecule analysis are discussed.