Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) 

Unlock previously inaccessible molecular spatial information

Unlock previously inaccessible molecular spatial information

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has been successfully used to localize a sample’s molecular composition in-situ. However, due to sample complexity, the presence of salt, and other interferences, the detection of low-level analytes can be especially challenging. 

DESI XS MSI is typically applied for the mapping of small molecules directly from tissue sections and, combined with time-of-flight (ToF)-based mass spectrometers, is ideally suited to untargeted discovery analysis. Tandem quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometers, on the other hand, are renowned for their sensitivity, speed, and quantitative robustness for targeted applications using Multi Reaction Monitoring (MRM) modes of acquisition, and are widely adopted for drug quantitation. With a combination of the two technologies, a remarkable and unique technique emerges to perform sensitive, fast, and quantitative MSI directly on surfaces.

Targeted MS Imaging with the DESI XS and Xevo TQ Absolute. Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

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Overview

  • Simply and quickly access lower limits of detection in molecular visualization directly from surfaces
  • Reduce the data size and interpretation burden of complex, full scan MS imaging data sets
  • Visualize and quantify known biomarkers, APIs, and metabolites at therapeutic and low biological concentrations
  • Combine sensitivity with high throughput analysis to handle large imaging studies efficiently
  • Obtain comprehensive and detailed spatial information with limited sample preparation
  • Add MSI analysis into a multi-modal imaging workflow with ease
  • Achieve improved environmental sustainability and lower laboratory operational costs with an MSI system that uses 50% less electricity and gas and produces 50% less heat than most other QQQ systems

Recommended Use: To visualize and quantify known compounds, biomarkers, APIs, and metabolites at therapeutic and low concentrations at speed.

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Visualize the location of previously inaccessible components

MS imaging offers the ability to directly detect, visualize, and quantify cellular and molecular events in situ, opening up huge possibilities to advance the understanding of biological systems and materials science. Direct MS analysis on a tissue or material’s surface prevents compound-specific sample preparation, which can challenge the detection of certain molecules. Waters targeted MS imaging system is at least five times more sensitive than discovery HRMS MS Imaging systems meaning that compounds can be accessed at lower levels than previously possible or even visualized for the first time. High sensitivity imaging mitigates the need for follow up analysis like laser capture microdissection LC-MS – saving time and cost of analysis. Gain confidence by bringing your molecules out of the weeds with the power of unparalleled sensitivity

See the whole picture, not just a snapshot

The rapid speed of targeted MSI analysis on the Xevo TQ Absolute means it is possible to collect larger cohorts of images in a timely manner. Data in pharma workflows can now be collected on whole studies with biological replicates, increasing statistical confidence in results over a smaller study snapshot. 

Leverage the power of selectivity

Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), a highly sensitive and selective method of targeted mass spectrometry (MS), measures and quantifies only the molecules specified by their precursor-to-fragment ion transitions. MRM-based imaging data acquired on a DESI XS enabled TQ mass spectrometer increases your throughput while keeping the amount of data required to the minimum, lowering your costs on data analysis and storage.

MS imaging quantification

A visual representation of where a compound is situated on a segment of tissue can provide a powerful insight into the relevance of a biomarker or the toxicity of a drug or metabolite. The next logical question is how much is there relative to a normal or safe amount.

Tandem quadrupoles are an industry standard solution for accurate and sensitive quantification via LC-MS methods. The exceptional sensitivity, linearity, and dynamic range of the Xevo TQ Absolute combined with DESI XS alongside the MSI Quantify MicroApp can now aid quantification workflows in mass spectrometry-based imaging.

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Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) revolutionizes molecular spatial analysis by enabling direct visualization and quantification of compounds, biomarkers, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and metabolites at therapeutic and low biological concentrations. Designed for precision and efficiency, Waters" targeted MSI system combines exceptional sensitivity, high-throughput analysis, and simplified workflows to unlock new possibilities in biological and material sciences.

MSI provides the ability to detect, localize, and quantify molecular events directly on tissue sections or material surfaces, offering unprecedented insights into biological systems. The Waters" targeted MSI platform utilizes DESI XS technology coupled with tandem quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometry to deliver unparalleled sensitivity and specificity. By overcoming challenges such as salt interference and sample complexity, the system achieves lower limits of detection, enabling the visualization of molecules previously inaccessible through traditional high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) imaging systems.

TQ mass spectrometers, renowned for their speed, sensitivity, and robust quantification capabilities, utilize Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) to selectively measure molecules of interest based on their precursor-to-fragment ion transitions. This targeted approach significantly reduces the burden of large, complex datasets generated by untargeted imaging, streamlining data interpretation and lowering costs associated with storage and analysis. With the rapid speed of analysis, large imaging studies can be efficiently processed, delivering statistically confident results on whole biological replicates.

The system"s integration of DESI XS and the MSI Quantify MicroApp enables accurate quantification of spatially resolved compounds. This allows researchers to determine not only where a compound is located but also how much of it exists relative to normal or safe levels. By combining the Xevo TQ Absolute"s exceptional sensitivity and linear dynamic range with MSI, researchers can confidently assess biomarkers, drug toxicity, and therapeutic efficacy.

Waters targeted MSI system enhances productivity with simplified sample preparation and direct MS analysis on tissue or material surfaces. This reduces the need for additional steps such as laser capture microdissection LC-MS, saving both time and costs. Furthermore, the system integrates effortlessly into multi-modal imaging workflows, providing comprehensive spatial and quantitative data alongside complementary techniques.

The platform also emphasizes environmental sustainability, consuming 50% less electricity and gas while producing 50% less heat compared to traditional QQQ systems. This reduction in operational costs aligns with the goals of modern laboratories to maintain high performance while minimizing environmental impact.

Whether for pharmaceutical research, biomarker validation, or material science studies, Waters" targeted MSI system provides the sensitivity and specificity required for today"s complex analytical demands. With the ability to process larger cohorts and generate high-confidence data, this system supports advancements in fields like drug discovery and development, toxicology studies, biomarker localization and validation, and cellular and molecular research.

With Waters" targeted MSI system, researchers can unlock the full picture of molecular spatial distribution, enabling groundbreaking discoveries and actionable insights. The combination of DESI XS technology, TQ mass spectrometry, and advanced informatics delivers precise, reproducible results at unprecedented speed and sensitivity, empowering laboratories to push the boundaries of what"s possible in mass spectrometry imaging.

FAQs About Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

1. What is targeted mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), and how does it work?
Targeted mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a technique that combines spatial analysis with molecular quantification to detect and visualize specific compounds directly on the surface of a sample. It uses technologies like DESI XS and tandem quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometry to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling researchers to localize and quantify molecules such as biomarkers, metabolites, and APIs within tissue sections or materials.

2. What are the advantages of using tandem quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometers for MSI?
Tandem quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometers are known for their exceptional sensitivity, speed, and quantitative robustness. For MSI, they provide highly selective detection of specific molecules using Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). This ensures precise quantification with reduced data complexity, making TQ systems ideal for targeted applications where accurate and reproducible results are critical.

3. What types of samples can be analyzed using targeted MSI?
Targeted MSI is suitable for a variety of samples, including biological tissues (such as plasma, serum, and organ sections) and material surfaces. It excels in analyzing complex sample matrices where low-concentration compounds, such as biomarkers or metabolites, need to be visualized and quantified with high sensitivity and spatial resolution.

4. How does targeted MSI differ from untargeted or discovery MSI?
Targeted MSI focuses on detecting and quantifying specific molecules of interest, using methods like MRM to selectively measure precursor-to-fragment ion transitions. This approach generates smaller, more manageable datasets and provides precise quantification, making it ideal for applications like biomarker validation and drug distribution studies. In contrast, untargeted MSI maps the molecular composition of a sample more broadly, identifying unknown compounds but often generating large and complex datasets.