Enhance your MS imaging capabilities

Combine state of the art MS imaging modalities of MALDI and DESI on the same platform to access rich, data-driven insights with the high-resolution SYNAPT XS and SELECT SERIES MRT mass spectrometry systems.

Enhance ease-of use while delivering increased information depth and vastly improved spatial resolution with the high-performance sprayer and heated transfer line on the DESI XS source, on either the SELECT SERIES MRT or SYNAPT XS.

Access complementary molecular ionization on the same tissue surface with easily interchangeable DESI XS and MALDI sources. Pinpoint the spatial localization of a wider diversity of biomolecules and pharmaceutical compounds as they are desorbed from tissue sections.

Embrace the increased performance and improved usability of the SELECT SERIES MALDI source, only available on the SELECT SERIES MRT. This source delivers improved selectivity and sensitivity, enabling large tissue sections to be rapidly imaged with high spatial resolution through a tightly focused laser beam.

Increase data processing speed for large data sets, improving data alignment and removing limits on the amount of data that can be processed and loaded into the software, with updates to High Definition Imaging (HDI) Software. Leverage a plug-in manager to further enhance functionality with self-written bespoke plugins for individual imaging needs.

Access deeper information through complementary molecular visualization

FSMI DESI and MALDI analyses present different molecular ionization on the same tissue surface, and therefore complementary images detailing molecular spatial localization. An example here is shown on the cortex and the medulla of the kidney. Black spectrum areas have been magnified in the MassLynx™ spectrum view. Red and green spectra are from the medulla and the cortex of the kidney respectively. These images highlight different lipid profiles which are only possible to visualise via either DESI or MALDI analysis. It also emphasizes that that small molecules such as metabolites are more easily detected with DESI than MALDI.

Increase molecular coverage with complementary ionization capabilities

MS Imaging peer reviewed publications acknowledge the complementary nature of FSMI and have shown methods and workflows for complete comparison between the techniques, accounting for intra-technique variables such as polarity, MALDI matrix, and DESI solvent system.¹

The opposite image is a summary of the screening results of a panel of 24 pharmaceutical compounds analyzed by DESI and MALDI on a SYNAPT mass spectrometer, highlighting the intensity of compounds which were detected at 1 ng on glass slide in: A) positive mode, B) negative mode, C) positive and negative modes combined. In purple, same level detected with MALDI and DESI. In red, better detection with MALDI. In blue, better detection with DESI.³

The relative benefits of applying MALDI and DESI

The speed and versatility of DESI imaging make it most amenable to the analysis of lipids and other small molecules under its favorable ambient, direct analysis conditions. MALDI imaging can favor the detection of proteins and peptides and has the advantage of a higher spatial resolution, but requires higher instrument pressures and sample preparation.

The combination of the two techniques on a single platform covers a wide range of applications and compound classes with speed and ease. In the figure opposite, the green text displays the relative advantages of each approach.