Multimodal Imaging System

Importance of Topic

The integration of molecular and elemental imaging enables comprehensive characterization of biological samples. By combining MALDI-MS imaging with laser ablation ICP-MS, researchers gain both distribution maps of specific biomolecules and quantifiable elemental data. This multimodal approach enhances insights in pathology, pharmacokinetics and materials science by linking chemical and elemental landscapes within a single experiment.

Objectives and Overview

This study presents the Shimadzu Multimodal Imaging System, comprising the iMScope QT atmospheric-pressure MALDI mass microscope, a Q-TOF LC-MS module, and an LA-ICP-MS setup based on the ICPMS-2030 instrument. The goals are to achieve high spatial resolution, rapid acquisition, flexible switching between imaging modes, and unified data analysis via the IMAGEREVEAL™ MS software.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Ultrahigh-resolution optical microscopy is integrated with atmospheric pressure MALDI-MS in the iMScope QT. When coupled to an LC-MS Q-TOF, it allows sequential imaging and quantitative LC/MS analysis without sample transfer. Elemental imaging is performed by combining a laser ablation system with the ICPMS-2030, yielding spatially resolved elemental maps and sensitive quantitation. All data are exported in the imdx format and loaded into IMAGEREVEAL MS for streamlined analysis and multivariate processing.

Key Results and Discussion

Example 1: In a myocardial infarction mouse model, gadolinium-based contrast agent Gadofluorine P distribution was visualized. LA-ICP-MS mapped elemental Gd, while iMScope QT captured molecular ion images of the intact agent. Overlay of both modalities confirmed concordant localization within collagen-rich infarct zones.

Example 2: A tumor spheroid treated with mTHPP and palladium-labeled mTHPP-Pd was analyzed. LA-ICP-MS provided quantitative palladium maps, and MALDI imaging localized the porphyrin scaffold. The complementary data sets demonstrated identical spatial distribution, validating the labeling strategy and quantitation workflow.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High spatial and spectral resolution for molecular and elemental targets.
• Faster imaging acquisition (up to 20% time savings compared to conventional methods).
• Seamless switching between imaging and LC/MS modes for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Unified data analysis platform (IMAGEREVEAL MS) with multivariate tools and support for large data volumes.
• Minimal data conversion thanks to common imdx format compatibility.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in multimodal imaging may include three-dimensional reconstructions, integration with other spectroscopic techniques, and AI-driven image interpretation. Expansion to trace-element imaging in environmental samples or materials research can broaden the utility of this platform. Enhanced software algorithms will further reduce analysis time and improve pattern recognition across datasets.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu Multimodal Imaging System effectively merges molecular and elemental imaging in a flexible and high-throughput workflow. Its ability to generate correlated datasets with accurate quantitation and high spatial resolution makes it a valuable tool for life-science research, pharmaceutical development, and industrial analysis.

References

1. Shimadzu iMScope QT Imaging Mass Microscope
2. Shimadzu LCMS-9030 and LCMS-9050 High-Performance LC-MS Systems
3. Shimadzu IMAGEREVEAL MS Data Analysis Software
4. Shimadzu ICPMS-2030 and LA-ICP-MS Configuration