The Shimadzu iMScope AP-MALDI QTOF is specialized for imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) applications where information on the spatial distributions of analytes is required. The iMScope has an atmospheric pressure MALDI source which eliminates vacuum equilibration making sample intnroduction fast. The built-in optical microscope (5X, 10X, 40X) allows for direct visualization of the histology sections and easy selection of ROIs for imaging. The 20kHz Nd:YAG laser acquires data at speeds up to 50 pixels/sec at a resolution as low as 5 µm although 10-20 µm is more practical. Mouse brain images (1 cm²) can be acquired within 1-4 hours. Accessory equipment available in the facility includes a Leica CM1850 cryostat for cryosectioning onto indium titanium oxide (ITO) conductive slides. Matrix application can be applied with the HTX M3+ matrix sprayer or Shimadzu iMayer sublimator. Users can select from standard pre-programmed methods. MS data are processed with Shimadzu's ImageReveal or Bruker's SCiLS Lab Pro software. Remote access for data processing is available.

 

Access: staff operated and validated users

Analyzer: AP-MALDI QTOF

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 Shimadzu sample holder

Software: ImageReveal (Shimadzu) and SCiLS Lab Pro (Bruker)