DESI XS

New and Improved, Waters Designed, DESI MS Imaging Source

Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry is a technique that allows chemical information to be obtained directly from a wide range of surfaces. DESI imaging provides information on the spatial distribution of molecules at or near the surface. DESI provides beautiful and information-rich images that allow scientists to answer the fundamental question: "Where is this component in my sample?"

Beautiful and informative imagery

This DESI XS generated image of murine brain section shows the spatial distribution of 3 different lipids (red, green and blue). Different spatial distributions within the brain suggest they serve different molecular functions.

Major Milestones in DESI

For more than a decade, Waters™ has been actively involved in the MS Imaging technology space, with a focus on DESI imaging for the past six years. In order to build upon the continuing success in MS imaging, as of October 1, 2019, Waters acquired exclusive rights to DESI technology from Prosolia Inc. and the Purdue Research Foundation. With commitment to DESI technology complementing existing MALDI technology, Waters is positioned to pursue an exciting future advancing the field of MS imaging.

The DESI XS Solution

The new source design includes a partially sealed housing that increases environmental stability and reduces atmospheric interference during the sample analysis, compared to an open DESI source. It offers a secure environment for both the user and the sample, providing a potential barrier from solvent vapors and sample aerosols while protecting the sample under analysis from contamination.

Unlike previous top-down visualization, the source also provides a camera for viewing the side of the DESI sprayer and the sample. This helps the user to locate the optimal spraying position for the DESI analysis more easily.

Internal components of the source have been designed with robustness and usability in mind. The sprayer armature is precision manufactured with a spring loaded arm encompassing caged roller bearings to give precision and durability for large scale acquisitions.

Partnering with a leading microscope stage manufacturer, a cutting-edge stepper motor stage has been incorporated into the source which has been designed to utilize different holders, enabling examination of a wide range of specimen types. Its unique S curve acceleration algorithm allows fast, smooth positioning without vibration, reducing disruption to samples and promising focused, consistent imaging.

For the first time, the source boasts integrated electronics and gas handling, meaning gases and voltages are automatically shut off at the end of your analysis. This is not only more environmentally friendly, but also saves on the cost of MS imaging consumables and prolongs the life of the DESI sprayer.

Accelerated discovery through enhanced information

The DESI XS source enables the generation of ion images, with consistent, reliable signal intensity allowing for clear visualization of molecular spatial distributions. Discovery research is accelerated through greater confidence in decision making during analyses. This source ensures images that display clearly defined distributions and components, and are easily and rapidly processed through High Definition Imaging (HDI™) Software.

Additionally, DESI XS is a core component of the Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging system solution uniquely available on the SYNAPT™ XS. This solution utilizes a combination of analytical techniques which are well suited to analyze peptides, lipids and small molecule metabolites. The dual ionization techniques employed complement each other to deliver the most comprehensive level of information possible with MS Imaging.