Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging on the SYNAPT XS: Combined imaging techniques yield comprehensive results

Importance of the Topic

Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging (FSMI) integrates complementary mass spectrometry imaging modalities on a single platform to map a broad range of biomolecules in tissues, enhancing molecular characterization in research and clinical contexts.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the upgraded FSMI solution on the Waters SYNAPT XS system, combining MALDI and DESI imaging sources with ion mobility and advanced informatics to achieve holistic molecular imaging of biological samples.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample preparation involved cryosectioning tissue (10–15 µm), matrix deposition for MALDI, and minimal treatment for DESI. The instrumentation comprised a SYNAPT XS high-resolution ion mobility mass spectrometer equipped with a DESI XS source, integrated MALDI source, and Waters High Definition Imaging (HDI) software with advanced data processing.

Key Results and Discussion

Comparative imaging of kidney cortex and medulla showed DESI excels in detecting small metabolites with minimal preparation, while MALDI offers high spatial resolution and broader analyte range. Screening of 24 pharmaceuticals at 1 ng level revealed complementary detection patterns between DESI and MALDI, demonstrating enhanced coverage when both techniques are combined. Ion mobility further improved molecular separation and specificity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

FSMI enables label-free mapping of small molecules, lipids, peptides, and drugs within tissues, supporting applications in drug development, biomarker discovery, and pathological studies. The integrated workflow allows multi-modality analysis on the same sample, optimizing throughput and data richness.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include higher spatial resolution, integration of additional modalities (e.g., 3D imaging, multi-omics), AI-driven data analysis, and translation to clinical diagnostics. Continuous improvements in throughput and environmental stability will expand FSMI applications in biomedical research.

Conclusion

The SYNAPT XS-based FSMI system delivers a versatile, comprehensive imaging solution by combining MALDI, DESI, ion mobility, and powerful informatics, offering unmatched molecular insights for research and QA/QC workflows.

References

1. Exploring Ion Suppression in Mass Spectrometry Imaging of a Heterogeneous Tissue. Anal. Chem. 2018, 90 (9), 5637–5645.
2. DESI-Mass Spectrometry Imaging Investigation of Discrete and Cassette Drug Dosed Tissues. Waters Application Note 720005947en.
3. Evaluation of the Ionization Efficiency Between MALDI and DESI MSI for the Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds. Poster by Claude and Towers, 2018.