IMAGEREVEAL MS - Mass Spectrometry Imaging Data Analysis Software

Importance of the topic

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) generates spatially resolved chemical information across biological tissues and materials. Efficient handling of large MSI data sets is essential for routine laboratory work, biomarker discovery, drug distribution studies, and quality control. The ability to process, analyze, and visualize complex MSI data with minimum manual intervention accelerates research workflows and enhances reproducibility.

Objectives and overview

This document introduces IMAGEREVEAL MS, a dedicated software platform designed to simplify routine MSI data analysis. It describes the core workflow, key features, supported data formats, analysis modes, licensing tiers, and system requirements. The goal is to demonstrate how IMAGEREVEAL MS streamlines differential, image‐based, and quantitative analyses in three straightforward steps.

Methodology and instrumentation

IMAGEREVEAL MS implements a modular workflow: select an analysis mode, import data, and run the analysis. A “Collective Analysis” mode combines differential and image analysis, producing data matrices, statistical outputs, and ion images in one run. Data conversion to the native imdx format is handled by the bundled IMDX Converter, enabling compatibility with:

• Shimadzu iMScope™ QT and TRIO™ instruments (kbd format)
• MALDI-7090 and MALDI-80X0 Series (MALDI Solutions™)
• AXIMA™ Series
• Thermo Fisher Scientific RAW files
• ImzML and Analyze7.5 open formats

Main results and discussion

Three primary analysis modes are highlighted:

• Differential Analysis: statistical comparison of regions of interest (ROIs) using t‐tests, ANOVA, PCA, and PLS to identify molecules enriched in diseased versus healthy tissue.
• Image Analysis: “Similar Image Extraction” locates ions whose spatial distributions match histological stains; further classification and segmentation refine region-specific biomarkers.
• Quantitative Analysis: calibration curves generated from standard and unknown tissue sections convert signal intensity to absolute concentration maps for pharmacokinetic and distribution studies.

Additional functions include simultaneous batch processing of multiple data sets, target versus non-target screening within specified m/z windows, and advanced spectral processing (peak picking, mass correction, normalization). Optional licenses unlock UMAP-based pseudo-color segmentation and automatic ROI selection.

Benefits and practical applications

IMAGEREVEAL MS reduces hands-on time by consolidating multiple analytical steps into a unified interface. Key benefits include:

• High-throughput processing of hundreds of gigabytes of MSI data without manual splitting.
• Automated detection of disease-related biomarkers and drug distribution patterns.
• Customizable workflows that accommodate routine QA/QC, academic research, and industrial screening.

Future trends and potential applications

Emerging directions include integration with machine learning algorithms for automated feature extraction, cloud-based data sharing for collaborative studies, and expansion of quantitative modules for metabolomics and lipidomics. Improvements in GPU-accelerated computing and deep-learning segmentation promise even faster and more accurate MSI analyses.

Conclusion

IMAGEREVEAL MS offers a comprehensive solution for routine mass spectrometry imaging data analysis. Through a streamlined three‐step workflow, broad format support, and advanced statistical and imaging tools, it addresses the growing need for efficient, reproducible MSI workflows in research and industry.

Used instrumentation

The software supports data from Shimadzu iMScope™ QT/TRIO, MALDI-7090, MALDI-80X0 Series, AXIMA™ Series, Thermo Fisher RAW files, and open formats imzML and Analyze7.5, all converted via the IMDX Converter tool.