Abstract: There are many deficiencies in forensic traumatic molecular markers detected by the techniques of traditional immunohistology and molecular biology, because these markers are isolated and obscure of the mechanism of interaction. The imaging mass spectrometry （IMS） is more suitable for the forensic molecular markers using function of screening, analysis and graphical representation. In this paper, the techniques and the latest research in screening and identification of typical molecular markers by IMS based on matrix-assisted laser adsorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） are reviewed. And its application values in forensic injury are discussed.

Key words: forensic pathology, wounds and injuries, review [publication type], matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, imaging mass spectrometry, molecular markers