Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging Techniques

Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging systems are available using either the SYNAPT XS or SYNAPT G2-Si mass spectrometry platforms. These Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging systems can used as standard ESI-Tof instruments for other UPLC-MS based applications by easily changing system configuration.

Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging systems utilizes a combination of Mass Spectrometry techniques which are well suited to analyze particular types of molecules (peptides, lipids, small molecule metabolites, sugars, etc.). These techniques complement each other to deliver the most comprehensive level of information possible with MS Imaging.

The techniques that can be incorporated into a Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging system are:

Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) Imaging

DESI Imaging utilizes a charged solvent spray to desorb ions directly from the surface of a sample without any sample preparation. Waters has taken traditional DESI imaging and enhanced its capabilities to provide new levels of usability and performance by adding innovation to this imaging technique. Some of the advantages of using DESI Imaging include:

• Non to minimal sample preparation
• Extraordinary results for lipid and small molecule imaging
• Enables multiple imaging experiments on the same sample (e.g. imaging in positive ion followed by negative ion mode and then using the same sample for H&E staining)
  
  

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) Imaging

MALDI Imaging utilizes a laser based, direct ionization method to analyze molecules from a chemical matrix coated sample. MALDI Imaging is considered the standard technique for Imaging applications using MS. The technique provides:

• Excellent spatial resolution
• Ability to analyze a wide variety of molecules (with appropriate selection of matrix)
• Images larger molecules particularly well
  
  

Ion Mobility

Ion mobility can add another dimension of molecular separation to imaging studies. This technique is capable of resolving molecules for analysis based on their size and shape. Useful for removing interferences or isolating target molecules for more intense scrutiny, Ion mobility is a unique method to enhance the analytical capabilities of an Imaging system with even greater molecular discrimination. Ion mobility can be used to:

• Remove interfering molecules from an image
• Discriminate between closely structurally related molecules (i.e. lipids, etc.)
• Isolate a particular type of target analyte

Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging System Components

SYNAPT XS, SYNAPT G2-Si, or Xevo G2-XS QTof with High Definition Imaging Software.