Molecular elemental imaging

Significance of the Topic

Mass spectrometry imaging provides spatially resolved elemental and molecular information critical for research in biology, materials science and quality control. Combining laser ablation ICP-MS and imaging mass microscopy enables comprehensive analysis of metal distributions alongside molecular maps, delivering deeper insight into complex samples.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study introduces two Shimadzu instruments: the ICPMS-2030 with Mini-Torch plasma for efficient elemental imaging, and the iMScope QT multimodal imaging mass microscope that fuses optical and MS images. The goals are to demonstrate cost and time savings, simplified workflows and high-resolution capabilities, and to showcase combined elemental and molecular imaging in biological models.

Applied Instrumentation

• ICPMS-2030 with Mini-Torch plasma and LA-ICP-MS software
• iMScope QT imaging mass microscope with integrated optical microscope
• IMAGEREVEAL MS Ver.1.2 data analysis software

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Mini-Torch reduces argon gas flow from 18 to 11 L/min at comparable plasma temperature and electron density, cutting running costs by 60%. Customized LA-ICP-MS software automates imaging data capture into a single file per sample, eliminating manual registration of multiple lines. The iMScope QT performs MALDI-MS molecular imaging at 5 μm resolution, while LA-ICP-MS maps elemental distributions. Multimodal datasets are overlaid and analyzed in IMAGEREVEAL MS for integrated visualization.

Main Results and Discussion

• Mini-Torch Plasma cut argon consumption by 60% without compromising plasma performance.
• LA-ICP-MS workflows output one data file per imaging run, reducing selection errors and speeding analysis.
• Molecular imaging of mouse cerebellum achieved 5 μm resolution in ~2.2 hours; whole brain elemental imaging at 15 μm took ~6 hours.
• Complementary imaging of Gadofluorine P distribution in mouse myocardial infarction demonstrated fusion of elemental (Gd at m/z 885.55) and molecular (protonated ligand at m/z 1168.39) maps, revealing contrast agent localization in cardiac tissue.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combined system delivers cost-effective, high-throughput elemental imaging and high-resolution molecular mapping in a single analytical workflow. Laboratories benefit from reduced gas expenses, streamlined data handling, and robust quantification of trace elements in biological and material samples. Multimodal fusion enhances tissue characterization in biomedical research and pharmaceutical development.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Integration with additional imaging modalities (e.g., optical coherence tomography, fluorescence).
• Advances in laser and detector technology to further increase spatial resolution and speed.
• Machine learning–driven image analysis for automated feature recognition.
• Clinical translation for pathology and diagnostic imaging applications.
• Development of novel contrast agents tailored for dual elemental/molecular detection.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s ICPMS-2030 with Mini-Torch plasma and streamlined software significantly lowers operational costs and simplifies LA-ICP-MS imaging workflows. The iMScope QT offers high-resolution molecular imaging combined with optical observations. Together, these instruments enable integrated multimodal imaging that advances sample evaluation in life sciences and industrial analytics.

References

No references provided.