Mass Spectrometry Imaging Solutions

Mass Spectrometry Imaging Solutions

Explore Waters comprehensive mass spectrometry imaging portfolio and fully integrated, intuitive workflows solutions to help your lab achieve precise molecular visualization from biomarker discovery to targeted MS Imaging . Our future-ready mass spec (MS) solutions, powered by MALDI and DESI ionization, intuitive informatics, responsive service, and expert applications support enable accurate insights at every stage of your research.

Explore Waters comprehensive mass spectrometry imaging portfolio and fully integrated, intuitive workflows solutions to help your lab achieve precise molecular visualization from biomarker discovery to targeted MS Imaging . Our future-ready mass spec (MS) solutions, powered by MALDI and DESI ionization, intuitive informatics, responsive service, and expert applications support enable accurate insights at every stage of your research.
Cell liver imaging
Cell liver imaging

Overview

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) enables molecular visualization, identification, and quantification directly in their spatial context. But complex samples, low-level analytes, and workflow variability often make consistent, reliable results difficult to achieve. Waters solutions bring together complementary MALDI and DESI techniques with advanced mass spectrometry (high-resolution and tandem quadrupole) systems, intuitive HDI Software, and expert global service and support. From untargeted discovery to precise targeted analysis, our portfolio accelerates imaging across applications including biomarker discovery, drug distribution, and translational research, delivering reproducible, high-resolution results with absolute confidence.

Therapeutic dosed tissue could not be imaged at all by discovery HRMS Imaging but is easily visualized by MRM on using a targeted MS Imaging approach.

From biomarker discovery to quantitative confidence.

From biomarker discovery to quantitative confidence.

From mapping unknown molecular profiles to quantifying specific biomarkers, Waters MS imaging solutions cover the full spectrum of applications. Our versatile portfolio includes high-resolution QTOF mass spectrometers for detailed molecular characterization in discovery workflows platforms reveal detailed molecular profiles for discovery research, while tandem quadrupole systems provide the sensitivity and selectivity needed for targeted imaging and quantification. This combination provides the precision, reliability and flexibility needed to advance your research with confidence. ensures reliable results, whether you’re uncovering new insights or validating critical markers.

Two ionization techniques, one complete molecular picture.

Two ionization techniques, one complete molecular picture.

Waters mass spectrometry imaging solutions combine the proven precision of MALDI with the simplicity of DESI to deliver flexible, multi-dimensional molecular imaging. This duel ionization approach empowers researchers to extract richer insights from a single sample, whether you are mapping complex molecular landscapes or validating targeted biomarkers.

  • MALDI offers a familiar imaging solution ideal for a wide range of analytes, including proteins, lipids, and metabolites.
  • DESI enables minimal sample preparation and allows for repeated analysis of the same tissue section preserving sample integrity. It also offers the same spatial resolution as MALDI and is fast becoming a preferred technique due to its simplicity and performance.

Together, these complementary techniques provide a multi-layered view of molecular distributions, enhancing data depth and clarity across diverse research applications from drug development to disease profiling.

HDI Software underpinning the MS Imaging portfolio.

Mass spec clarity without complexity.

Mass spec clarity without complexity.

High definition imaging (HDI) Software integrates acquisition, processing, and visualization together in one intuitive workflow. Multimodal support enables alignment of MALDI and DESI datasets with optical images for clear, publication-ready results. Combined with Waters global service network and applications support, your lab gains efficiency, reproducibility, and the ability to scale imaging studies into the future.

Video: DESI XS- Designed to Deliver

You know what is in your samples, but do you know where that molecule is? With DESI XS imaging, you accelerate imaging, amplify sensitivity, and advance visualization. Available across Waters high resolution mass spectrometry portfolio. Now DESI XS is compatible with Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer to deliver performance, speed, and absolute sensitivity without compromise . From discovery imaging to targeted workflows, explore molecular localization with clarity and confidence. Learn more by watching our video.

You know what is in your samples, but do you know where that molecule is? With DESI XS imaging, you accelerate imaging, amplify sensitivity, and advance visualization. Available across Waters high resolution mass spectrometry portfolio. Now DESI XS is compatible with Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer to deliver performance, speed, and absolute sensitivity without compromise . From discovery imaging to targeted workflows, explore molecular localization with clarity and confidence. Learn more by watching our video.
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Solutions

Untargeted Discovery MS Imaging

Advance molecular discovery imaging with Waters systems for high-resolution, label-free molecular mapping and confident identification.

Xevo MRT P10 MS

Xevo MRT P10 MS
Xevo MRT P10 MS

The Xevo MRT P10 Mass Spectrometer builds on revolutionary multi reflecting time of flight (MRT) technology to deliver exceptional sensitivity at unprecedented acquisition speeds—while expanding analytical flexibility for the most demanding MS applications.

  • Discovery Imaging

Waters Cyclic IMS P20

Waters Cyclic IMS P20
Waters Cyclic IMS P20

The Waters™ Cyclic™ IMS P20 Mass Spectrometer advances Cyclic Ion Mobility technology by delivering flexible, high‑resolution separation to resolve molecular complexity. Selectable separation by shape, mass, and charge reduces spectral congestion, enabling both fast routine analyses and deeper structural investigations. Designed for real‑world laboratory use, the system combines enhanced sensitivity and optimized ion transmission with automated multipass CCS calibration and built‑in methods for reliable, reproducible results, while still supporting advanced method development.

  • Discovery Imaging

Accessible, routine single cell MS Imaging

Accessible, routine single cell MS Imaging
Xevo G3 QTof

Pair mass spectrometry imaging with Xevo G3 QTof to enable robust, high-performance DESI imaging with flexible acquisition modes, accessible for both experts and non-experts, and compatible with both DESI and ESI workflows.

  • Discovery Imaging

Versatile, full spectrum molecular imaging

Versatile, full spectrum molecular imaging
SYNAPT XS

Achieve research-grade multi-mode MSI with high definition SYNAPT XS Mass Spectrometer, combining MALDI and DESI XS for enhanced selectivity via ion mobility separation, versatile experimental control, and high-performance accurate-mass MS and MS/MS acquisition.

  • Discovery Imaging

Targeted Molecular Imaging

Unlock Waters targeted imaging to visualize and quantify low-level molecules with speed, sensitivity, and spatial precision.

Unlock previously inaccessible molecular spatial information

Unlock previously inaccessible molecular spatial information
Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

Achieve high-sensitivity targeted MS imaging with DESI XS MSI, enabling low-level detection, relative streamlined quantification, reduced data complexity, and efficient analysis localization of known biomarkers and metabolites, ideal for large studies, multimodal workflows, and sustainable laboratory operations.

  • Targeted Imaging

From Discovery to Targeted MS Imaging

Waters software streamlines MSI workflows with intuitive acquisition, processing, visualization, and multimodal data integration. 

Multimodal, intuitive, streamlined

Multimodal, intuitive, streamlined
High-Definition Imaging (HDI) Software

Streamline mass spectrometry imaging with High DefinitionHigh-Definition Imaging (HDI) Software, an intuitive platform for multimodal data processing and analysis across Waters high-resolution, ion mobility-enabled, and targeted imaging systems, enabling unmatched specificity, compatibility, and flexibility for diverse imaging workflows that traditional techniques cannot match.

  • Discovery Imaging
  • Targeted Imaging

MS Imaging software now available with waters_connect

MS Imaging software now available with waters_connect
waters_connect Software Solutions

The MS Imaging software with waters_connect control empowers customers to generate molecular spatial information directly from surfaces using the DESI XS, Xevo MRT P10 system solution. The integration of DESI XS with Xevo MRT P10 MS enables high spatial resolution, label-free molecular imaging directly from sample surfaces with minimal preparation, offering highly sensitive MS Imaging at speeds of up to 100 Hz, with sub-ppm mass accuracy, making it ideal for applications in biomedical research, drug distribution studies, and forensic analysis.

  • Discovery Imaging
  • Targeted Imaging

From Discovery to Targeted MS Imaging

Achieve testing efficiencies and accurate results using streamlined Waters services and support.

Your success is just a click away

Your success is just a click away
Waters Global Services

Optimize your laboratory's productivity and success with Waters Global Services. Maintain peak system performance, minimize downtime, address application challenges, and support stringent compliance requirements.

  • Discovery Imaging
  • Targeted Imaging

Make science more accessible with Waters Capital

Make science more accessible with Waters Capital
Payment Solutions

Maximize your lab resources and minimize risk with payment options from Waters Capital, which includes innovative solutions to upgrade aging instruments, customized support, and flexible options to bundle your complete laboratory solution in one easy monthly payment – everything you need to advance your science.

  • Discovery Imaging
  • Targeted Imaging

Comprehensive training and support for your success

Comprehensive training and support for your success
Professional Services

Waters Professional Services provide comprehensive training and application support from instruments to software empowering customers to achieve success with confidence.

  • Discovery Imaging
  • Targeted Imaging

Applications

Untargeted discovery molecular visualization enables high-resolution, label-free molecular mapping directly from sample surfaces, facilitating the spatial localization, identification, and relative quantification of a wide array of molecules across diverse tissue types and sample formats. Waters QTof systems deliver high-resolution, accurate-mass performance with robust low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation, while orthogonal geometry ensures consistent data quality across varying sample topographies. Tailored system solutions and intuitive workflows streamline complex analyses.

Untargeted discovery molecular visualization enables high-resolution, label-free molecular mapping directly from sample surfaces, facilitating the spatial localization, identification, and relative quantification of a wide array of molecules across diverse tissue types and sample formats. Waters QTof systems deliver high-resolution, accurate-mass performance with robust low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation, while orthogonal geometry ensures consistent data quality across varying sample topographies. Tailored system solutions and intuitive workflows streamline complex analyses.

Application Notes

Application Notes
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Targeted imaging enables sensitive, quantitative visualization of known molecular species directly from sample surfaces. Waters Xevo TQ Absolute XR System delivers exceptional sensitivity, linearity, and dynamic range, while orthogonal geometry ensures consistent performance across complex tissue topographies. Tailored workflows enhance throughput, making targeted imaging ideal for quantifying biomarkers, APIs, and metabolites at therapeutic and low biological concentrations.

Targeted imaging enables sensitive, quantitative visualization of known molecular species directly from sample surfaces. Waters Xevo TQ Absolute XR System delivers exceptional sensitivity, linearity, and dynamic range, while orthogonal geometry ensures consistent performance across complex tissue topographies. Tailored workflows enhance throughput, making targeted imaging ideal for quantifying biomarkers, APIs, and metabolites at therapeutic and low biological concentrations.

Application Notes

Application Notes
Scientist using computer in laboratory next to Xevo TQ Absolute XR

Webinars and Resources

  • Application Notebook

DESI Imaging Applications Workbook

DESI Imaging Applications Workbook
Download
  • Case Study

How Sheffield Hallam University used Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Scientific Breakthroughs

How Sheffield Hallam University used Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Scientific Breakthroughs
Download
  • Solution Sheet

DESI XS with Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer for MS Imaging

DESI XS with Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer for MS Imaging
Download

Related

Mass Spectrometry Imaging
A combination of advanced MS imaging technologies including MALDI, DESI and ion mobility, for comprehensive molecular distribution information in applications such as proteomics, metabolomics, cell and tissue biology, research pathology and histology.

Targeted Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)
Simply and quickly access lower limits of detection in molecular visualization directly from surfaces with the targeted Mass Spectrometry (MS) Imaging System of DESI XS and Xevo TQ Absolute.

DESI XS
Obtain chemical information directly from a wide range of surfaces with Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry imaging with the DESI XS, a breakthrough MS ion source.

MALDI
For confident and clear molecular visualization, equip your lab with a Waters Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) solution.

Learn more about Mass Spectrometry Imaging Solutions.

Learn more about Mass Spectrometry Imaging Solutions.
Cell liver imaging
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