Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging combines several analytical techniques in a single platform to probe wide spectrum of spatially distributed molecular ions to understand cellular function and physiology or to monitor the distribution of drug compounds throughout a tissue or organism.
By integrating DESI, MALDI, and ion mobility mass spectrometry techniques with a single informatics solution, Waters Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging systems provide detailed molecular information that exceeds any single imaging technique currently available.
Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging capabilities allow visualization of wider range of molecular ions and provide key insights into the underlying mechanisms of cancer, cardiovascular and neuro-degenerative diseases. In other studies, Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging can be used to identify different tissue types, differentiate diseased and normal tissue, and identify the boundary of healthy and diseased tissue based on their molecular composition.
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:
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:
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:
SYNAPT XS, SYNAPT G2-Si, or Xevo G2-XS QTof with High Definition Imaging Software.
MS Imaging with MS – Video Series
Deployable across the Waters HRMS portfolio, the DESI XS source DESI XS is a foundation upon which the next generation of developments in Waters DESI MS imaging will be built, future proofing MS imaging needs.
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