Shimadzu iMScope (AP-MALDI QTOF) 
The Shimadzu iMScope QTOF is dedicated for MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) applications with a focus on spatial metabolomics/lipidomics and mutliplex mass-tag photocleavable proteomic workflows. Biological histology samples are cryosectioned (10-20 µm thickness) onto indium titanium oxide (ITO) slides, coated with matrix compounds by spray deposition or sublimation, and MALDI data acquired by laser spot rasterization (spacing step size 5-100 µm). Imaging software (Shimadzu's ImageReveal or Bruker's SCiLS Lab Pro) is used to generate images colored for relative analyte concentrations and to perform statistical analyses (ROIs, PCA, cross-correlation, segmentation, classification etc.).
The atmospheric pressure iMScope source allows the use of an expanded repertoire of matrices and different selectivity for analyte ionization. Samples can be loaded into the source with no need for vacuum pumping allowing efficient workflows. Data acquisition rates of up to 50 pixels/sec are possible with the 20 kHz laser with little, if any, degradation of signal quality.
Access: staff operated and validated users (IMS Workshop, monthly)
Analyzer: AP-MALDI 9050 QTOF for MS scan or MS/MS
Mode: Positive or negative
Sample prep: histology sections or other thin flat specimens on ITO slides or metal target plates
Sample plate: 2 standard size (3"x1") ITO slides or Bruker sample plate
Software: ImageReveal (Shimadzu) or SCiLS Lab Pro (Bruker)
Resources/Protocols
Recent Publications:
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IP13-07: Electromotive Drug Administration (EMDA) in the Porcine Ureter: First Report of In Vivo Ureteral Dilation Following Alfuzosin Infusion, Victor Pham1, Yi Xi Wu1, Bruce M. Gao1, Seyedamirvala Saadat1, Seyed Amiryaghoub M. Lavasani1, Aymon Ali1, Erika Martinez-Carcamo1, Olga Derbeneva1, Felix Grün2, Sohrab N. Ali1, Pengbo Jiang1, Roshan M. Patel1, Jaime Landman1, and Ralph V. Clayman11 Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, USA 2 Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, USA
Poster abstract: AUA 2025 EMDA Alfuzosin Poster
Bruker ultrafleXtreme MALDI-TOF
The Bruker ultrafleXtreme MALDI-TOF is principally dedicated for MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) applications where information on the spatial distributions of analytes is required. Biological histology samples are cryosectioned (10-20 µm thickness) onto indium titanium oxide (ITO) slides, coated with matrix compounds by spray deposition or sublimation, and MALDI data acquired by laser spot rasterization (spacing step size 10-100 µm). Imaging software (flexImaging, SCiLS Lab Pro or ImageReveal) generates images colored for relative analyte concentrations and performs statistical analyses (ROIs, PCA, cross-correlation, segmentation, classification etc.).
Access: staff operated and validated users
Analyzer: MALDI TOF
Mode: Positive or negative
Sample prep: histology sections or other thin flat specimens on ITO slides or metal targte plates
Sample plate: 2 standard size (3"x1") ITO slides or Bruker sample plate
Software: flexControl, flexImaging, flexAnalysis, SCiLS Lab Pro (Bruker), ImageReveal (Shimadzu)
Resources/Protocols
Recent Publications:
- Spatially resolved detection of small molecules from press-dried plant tissue using MALDI imaging. Zane G. Long, Jonathan V. Le, Benjamin B. Katz, Belen G. Lopez, Emily D. Tenenbaum, Bonnie Semmling, Ryan J. Schmidt, Felix Grün, Carter T. Butts, and Rachel W. Martin, Applications in Plant Sciences in press (2023).
Poster abstract: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.1560
AB Sciex 5800 MALDI TOF/TOF
The ABSciex MALDI-TOF/TOF is used for matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) analysis of large molecular weight polymers (peptides, nucleic acids, polymeric species).
Peptide/protein/polymer samples are spotted with matrix (DHC, CHCA, DAN, THAP etc.) onto target plates and dried.
Access: Walk-up Open Access
Access: Walk-up Open Access
Analyzer: TOF-TOF
Mode: Positive or negative
Sample prep: Matrix/sample deposition on metal target plates
Sample plate: 100 samples/plate
Software: Voyager software