Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

Combination of advanced mass spectrometry Imaging (MSI) technologies

Choose between or layer up the complementary ionization techniques of MALDI and DESI imaging for flexibility and multi-layered, information-rich data from a single sample. Some of the features of these technologies include:

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) 

• Excellent spatial resolution
• Wide variety of applications
• Well-established MS imaging approach

Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI)

• Minimal sample preparation
• Excel at lipid and small molecule imaging
• Enable multiple imaging experiments on the same sample

Conduct multiple experiments with the same sample

Many applications demand the maximum amount of information from minimal sample. The non-destructive nature of DESI enables users to analyze a single tissue section multiple times, for example at different spatial resolutions or in different polarities, without any significant degradation of the signal or modification of the chemical signature.

Following multiple DESI analyses, the same tissue section can then be used for further analysis, for example in histological staining or in an analysis by MALDI MS imaging.

MS imaging with the power of ion mobility

Unlike UPLC-MS, MS imaging does not involve any form of separation prior to ionization. The resulting data are often highly complex due to the level of detail observed and the potential for background interferences.

SYNAPT HDMS enables the powerful combination of MALDI and DESI imaging with ion mobility mass spectrometry. This allows the gas phase separation of ions by compound class and charge in an MS imaging experiment, providing a level of selectivity that would not be possible with mass resolution alone.

The result of this is cleaner imaging data, allowing for more precise visualization of molecular distributions in the presence of background.

Accessible MS imaging for all applications

SELECT SERIES MRT
Redefine clarity in mass spectrometry imaging with SELECT SERIES MRT for high resolution imaging, enabling:

• Crystal clear, high-resolution images, acquired at fast imaging speeds
• No compromise to mass spectral resolution or accuracy
• Accelerate MS imaging experiments while resolving analysis from interferences to reveal fine structural information
• Choice of DESI and MALDI for Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging

SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS
Achieve the ultimate levels of specificity in mass spectrometry imaging with the combination of DESI XS and SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS, enabling:

• Combine high-resolution cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry with MS Imaging for in depth discovery
• Visualize locations of differing isomeric species not observable by MS alone or with lower resolution ion mobility MS
• See a visual map of the spatial distribution of a wide range of analytes
• Accelerate MS imaging experiments while resolving analysis from interferences to reveal fine structural information

SYNAPT XS HDMS
Waters Mass Spectrometry Imaging can be used with SYNAPT XS HDMS for the ultimate in research grade multi-mode MALDI and DESI MS imaging, providing:

• Enhanced selectivity from unique ion mobility separation
• Versatile experimental options
• High performance accurate mass MS and MS/MS
• Choice of MALDI and DESI XS for FSMI

Xevo G3 QTof
Pair Mass Spectrometry Imaging with Xevo G3 QTof for accessible, routine DESI MS-based imaging, enabling:

• Maximum robustness with no compromise in performance
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs
• Accessible to experts and non-experts alike
• Choice of DESI and ESI