Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI Analysis) Service
Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) enables the visualization and precise localization of thousands of analytes, including metabolites, lipids, peptides, proteins, and glycans, without the need for labeling. At Creative Proteomics, we specialize in leveraging MSI to provide robust and innovative solutions for scientific and industrial research needs, with a primary focus on MALDI-MSI technology..
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Bruker timsTOF fleX
- Overview
- How It Works
- Our Mass Spectrometry Imaging Solutions
- Applications
- Demo
- Our Advantages
- Sample Requirements
- FAQs
What is Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI), or Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), is a promising analytical technique to determine and visualize the spatial distribution of specific chemical compositions, such as biomarker, metabolites, peptides/proteins by their molecular weights, with mass spectrometry. As a cutting-edge fusion of mass spectrometry and imaging, MSI empowers researchers to explore molecular complexities in unparalleled detail, revealing the chemical composition of tissues, surfaces, or other materials with remarkable precision.
How Dose Mass Spectrometry Imaging Work ?
The Principle of Mass Spectrometry Imaging
The fundamental principle of MSI involves direct mass spectrometric analysis on a sample's surface. Common ionization methods include Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), with recent developments incorporating atmospheric pressure ion sources such as Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI).Although ionization in MSI typically occurs at single points, rendering it inherently zero-dimensional, MSI provides two-dimensional spatial information by combining mass spectrometry data from multiple surface locations. At Creative Proteomics ,we provide high-throughput MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry platform to facilitate our clients' scientific research.
Two main approaches—Scanning MSI and Stigmatic MSI—allow conversion of point-by-point ionization into spatial imaging. In scanning MSI, measurement points are systematically arranged m×n mass spectra. Each spectrum is associated with its spatial coordinates, enabling the generation of intensity distribution maps for specific mass-to-charge ratios (m/z). Stigmatic MSI differs fundamentally from the scanning approach by ionizing the surface as a whole, rather than point-by-point. This method uses uniformly spread laser or ion beams to generate ions that retain their spatial distribution as they travel to the detector.
Workflow for the MALDI-MSI Analysis
1) The target tissue is sliced into thin sections, typically 10-20 microns thick, and placed on metal or glass slides.
2) An organic matrix, usually small molecule organic acids, is applied to the tissue section to facilitate the desorption and ionization of target compounds under the influence of the ultraviolet laser.
3) The slide is placed in the mass spectrometer, where the ultraviolet laser scans the entire section according to a pre-set step size and pattern, recording the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) signal at each scan point.
4) Based on the different m/z signals, corresponding two-dimensional or three-dimensional images are generated to reflect the spatial distribution of specific compounds within the tissue section.
5) Post-processing of the images is performed, including calibration, normalization, denoising, clustering, and statistical analysis, to enhance the quality and informational content of the images.
Visual workflow for the MSI analysis.(Buchberger, et al.2018)
Briefly, the target tissue would be sliced to thin films which would be embedded with organic matrix in sample preparation. The matrix would promote the desorption/ionization of the compounds of interest with a UV laser beam. The mass-to-charge ratio of the generated ions would be measured with a mass spectrometer over an programmed array of ablated spots. Multiple analytes can be identified and quantified simultaneously.
Our MALDI-MSI Analysis Solutions
With the installed MALDI-MSI system and required software and accessories for MALDI imaging, our experienced staff and well-trained technicians can help you to tissue slicing, sample preparation, imaging and image processing.
We provide a comprehensive and reliable MALDI Imaging Lipidomics service, capable of detecting up to 1,000 lipid species. The service includes high-throughput, label-free lipidomic profiling with customized experimental designs to meet specific research needs.
Accept Lipids , Creative Proteomics also can use MALDI-MSI to analyze follow materials:
- Small-Molecule Metabolites
- Endogenous Peptides/Proteins
- Pharmaceutical Compound & Metabolites
- Agrochemicals in Plant Tissues
Applications of MALDI-MSI
Pharmaceutical Research and Development
The technology is instrumental in visualizing drug distribution and metabolism within biological systems, advancing drug efficacy studies.
Food and Agriculture
MALDI-MSI is utilized to investigate plant metabolomics and monitor food quality and safety by detecting contaminants or nutrient distributions.
Forensics and Environmental Studies
MALDI-MSI aids in detecting toxic compounds or analyzing chemical residues in forensic evidence and environmental samples.
Demo of MALDI-MSI
MALDI IMS of one lung cancer tissue(Kriegsmann, et al.2015)
Our Advantages
- State-of-the-Art Instrumentation: Utilizing high-resolution spectrometers for unmatched accuracy and sensitivity.
- Expertise Across Disciplines: A team of experienced researchers specializing in molecular imaging, bioinformatics, and structural analysis.
- Customizable Workflows: Tailored MSI protocols to fit specific research needs, from small-molecule studies to protein mapping.
- Comprehensive Data Analysis: Advanced platforms like MSiReader for high-throughput and in-depth interpretation of results.
Sample Requirements
| Analysis Type | Sample Requirements | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial Metabolite and Lipidomic Analysis | Fresh or frozen plant tissues (e.g., root, stem, fruit, leaf)，animal tissues | Critical sample prep (embedding, cryo-sectioning, mounting) performed on-site. Alternatively, users may provide pre-embedded samples in 2.5%–4% CMC or 7.5% HPMC. |
| N-Glycan Mapping | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. | Ensure proper fixation and paraffin embedding. |
| Microbial Culture Communication Analysis | Microbial cultures grown on solid agar with ≤40% salt content. Optimal agar volume: 10 mL (100 x 15 mm Petri dishes). | Ship overnight without freezing. Provide one control (blank agar) and three bio-replicates for each condition. |
FAQs about MALDI-MSI
What is the resolution of Mass Spectrometry Imaging?
The resolution of MSI depends on the system used and the specific parameters of the analysis, such as laser spot size and step size. High-resolution spectrometers like the Bruker timsTOF fleX provide high spatial resolution, allowing the visualization of molecular distributions at the micrometer scale.
How does MSI compare to traditional imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans?
While MRI and CT scans provide structural information about tissues, MSI offers detailed molecular-level imaging, allowing researchers to visualize the distribution of specific compounds within a tissue sample. MSI can provide complementary data to structural imaging techniques, particularly for molecular research.
Can MALDI-MSI detect both small molecules and large biomolecules like proteins?
Yes, MALDI-MSI is capable of detecting a wide range of molecules, from small molecules like metabolites and lipids to large biomolecules such as peptides and proteins. The analysis can be tailored based on the research needs.
What types of samples can be analyzed using MALDI-MSI?
MALDI-MSI can analyze a wide range of samples, including fresh or frozen plant tissues, animal tissues, microbial cultures, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples.
What steps can be taken to prevent issues with sample preparation affecting sample integrity?
To reduce the impact of sample preparation on tissue integrity, use optimized slicing methods to minimize damage, such as cryosectioning. Additionally, using techniques like cryoprotection can preserve the structural and chemical properties of tissues before analysis.
Learn about other Q&A about other technologies.
References
- Buchberger, Amanda Rae et al. "Mass Spectrometry Imaging: A Review of Emerging Advancements and Future Insights." Analytical chemistry vol. 90,1 (2018): 240-265.
- Kriegsmann, Jörg et al. "MALDI TOF imaging mass spectrometry in clinical pathology: a valuable tool for cancer diagnostics (review)." International journal of oncology vol. 46,3 (2015): 893-906.
