Benchtop MALDI-TOF Imaging Starter Kit

Importance of MALDI-TOF Imaging

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) imaging has emerged as a critical tool for spatially resolved molecular analysis in fields ranging from biomedical research to materials science. By combining high mass resolution, sensitivity and rapid data acquisition, benchtop MALDI-TOF systems enable detailed mapping of biomolecules, lipids, polymers and small molecules directly from tissue sections or surfaces. This capability supports drug distribution studies, disease biomarker discovery, forensic investigations and polymer analysis, making MALDI imaging an indispensable technique for modern analytical laboratories.

Objectives and Overview of the Starter Kit

The described application note introduces a comprehensive MALDI imaging solution designed for Shimadzu benchtop MALDI-8020 and MALDI-8030 instruments. The main goals are to streamline sample preparation, acquisition and data processing workflows, and to deliver reproducible, high-quality images with minimal instrument modification. Key components include consumables for slide mounting and matrix application, software licences for image acquisition and processing, and detailed usage guidelines to facilitate rapid adoption.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation and Matrix Deposition

• Use FlexiVision-mini ITO conductive slides or reusable FlexiMass-SR1 stainless plates for mounting tissue sections or surface samples.
• Employ slide masks to define deposition areas during matrix coating.
• Choose automated devices (iMLayer for sublimation or iMLayer AERO for spray) to apply uniform matrix layers (e.g., DHB, CHCA or 9-AA), optimizing crystal size and ionization efficiency.

Data Acquisition

• Operate MALDI-8020 (positive ion mode) or MALDI-8030 (dual polarity) with the FastMS 200 Hz laser for acquisition speeds up to 15 pixels/s.
• Leverage TrueClean one-click laser cleaning and long-lifetime AeonDetector for reduced maintenance and extended uptime.
• Define imaging regions and co-register optical scans using the MALDI Solutions imaging acquisition wizard.

Data Processing

• Process raw MSI data in IonView software, with direct import of instrument files and rapid reload of saved sessions.
• Export datasets to imzML format for advanced statistical analysis in IMAGEREVEAL MS or third-party platforms.

Key Results and Discussion

Case Studies Demonstrating Performance

• Rat brain lipid imaging at 30 µm spatial resolution, showing clear localization of phospholipids (e.g., m/z 772 vs. m/z 788) with acquisition times under 4 hours.
• Full-brain dual-polarity imaging on ITO slides, capturing both positive (DHB matrix) and negative (9-AA matrix) ion modes at 30–50 µm spacing.
• Mapping of PET cyclic oligomers in heated food packaging films, demonstrating chemical imaging of polymer residues under stress conditions.
• Distribution of pharmaceutical compounds (e.g., simvastatin) in earthworm tissue, visualizing m/z 86 analyte at 50 µm resolution.
• Fingermark lipid patterns and proteins including myelin basic protein and its tryptic peptides, illustrating on-tissue digestion workflows with sub-4 h total imaging time.

These examples confirm that the starter kit delivers high sensitivity, reproducible spatial resolution and robust throughput across diverse sample types.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By integrating user-friendly consumables, automated matrix delivery and streamlined software, the starter kit reduces the technical barrier to MALDI imaging. Laboratories can quickly implement workflows for:

• Pharmaceutical distribution and metabolism studies
• Biomarker discovery in disease models
• Forensic sample screening (e.g., fingermarks, illicit substances)
• Material science analyses of polymers and surface treatments

Routine tasks and method development can be offloaded to benchtop systems, while high-resolution experiments remain on premium instruments, optimizing resource utilization.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in laser repetition rates, detector technologies and data analysis algorithms will continue to push spatial resolution below 10 µm and accelerate imaging speed. Integration with liquid extraction surface analysis, ion mobility separation and ambient ionisation methods promises multimodal chemical mapping. Emerging applications include single-cell metabolomics, clinical tissue diagnostics and real-time process monitoring in manufacturing.

Conclusion

The Benchtop MALDI-TOF Imaging Starter Kit offers an all-in-one solution for adding imaging capabilities to existing Shimadzu MALDI-8020 and MALDI-8030 systems. By combining optimized consumables, automated matrix deposition, robust hardware features and intuitive software, laboratories can achieve reliable, high-quality MSI results with minimal setup. This approach democratizes access to advanced imaging workflows, supporting a wide range of research and QC applications.

Reference

Yamazaki Y, ASMS 2021 Poster ThP225
Kendra Selby, Stephanie L. Shan, Kevin R. Tucker, SIUE ASMS 2021 Poster WP077
Rawlins CR, ASMS 2021 Poster FP308