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)