Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging (qMSI) Service
Our Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging (qMSI) service offers cutting-edge technology to visualize and quantify molecular distributions in biological samples. Using advanced techniques such as MALDI-MSI, DESI-MSI, and SIMS, we provide high-resolution, spatially-resolved data to uncover critical insights into protein expression, metabolic changes, drug distribution, and disease mechanisms. Whether you're researching cancer, neurological disorders, or new therapeutic approaches, our qMSI service empowers you with precise, quantitative molecular maps to guide your discoveries.
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What is Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging (qMSI)
Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) has long been the gold standard for mapping the spatial distribution of molecules within biological tissues. However, in drug discovery and biomarker validation, knowing where a molecule is located is often insufficient—you need to know exactly how much is there.
Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging (qMSI) bridges the gap between the spatial fidelity of histology and the analytical precision of LC-MS/MS. By rigorously correcting for tissue-specific ionization suppression and matrix effects, we transform relative ion intensity maps into absolute concentration data (e.g., ng/mg tissue), enabling precise pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiling directly within the tissue microenvironment.
Key Features of Our qMSI Service
- High Spatial Resolution: Achieve high-resolution imaging at the cellular or sub-cellular level, allowing for precise molecular localization in complex biological samples.
- Quantitative Analysis: Obtain accurate quantitative data of chemical species, providing insights into molecular concentrations and their distribution across tissues.
- Comprehensive Molecular Profiling: Our service supports a wide array of molecular species, including proteins, metabolites, lipids, and pharmaceutical compounds, giving you a comprehensive view of your sample's molecular landscape.
- Spatially Preserved Analysis: Unlike homogenization methods that destroy spatial context, qMSI enables in situ analysis, preserving the histological architecture for correlative pathology.
Our Advanced Instrument Platform
At the core of our Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging (qMSI) service is our cutting-edge instrument platform, designed to deliver high-resolution, quantitative data for a wide range of molecular and elemental analyzes. Equipped with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry imaging technologies—MALDI-MSI, DESI-MSI, and SIMS—our platform provides unparalleled sensitivity, precision, and flexibility.
Tailored Imaging Techniques to Suit Your Needs
We tailor our approach to your specific analytes and resolution requirements using industry-leading ionization techniques.
MALDI-MSI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization)
- Best For: Proteomics, metabolomics, and mapping drug distribution in tissue sections.
- Key Advantage: High sensitivity for a wide mass range.
DESI-MSI (Desorption Electrospray Ionization)
- Best For: Lipidomics and direct surface analysis without sample preparation.
- Key Advantage: Ambient ionization that preserves sample integrity.
SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry)
- Best For: Sub-cellular imaging and elemental mapping.
- Key Advantage: Highest spatial resolution for small molecule and surface analysis.
Why Move from Standard MSI to Quantitative MSI?
Standard MSI provides a "heat map" of relative intensity. qMSI provides actionable data for decision-making in pharmaceutical and clinical research.
| Application Area | The Challenge | The qMSI Solution |
|---|---|---|
| DMPK & Toxicology | Whole-tissue homogenization dilutes localized drug concentrations. | Site-Specific Quantitation: Determine absolute drug concentration in specific sub-structures (e.g., renal cortex vs. medulla) to predict toxicity earlier. |
| Oncology | Tumors are heterogeneous; drugs may not penetrate the necrotic core. | Penetration Profiling: Visualize and measure drug gradients from the vascularized margin to the hypoxic core. |
| Neuroscience | It is difficult to confirm if compounds cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). | BBB Assessment: Quantify compound levels specifically within brain parenchyma versus the surrounding vasculature. |
| Metabolomics | Metabolic pathways shift locally within disease states. | Pathway Mapping: Quantify changes in endogenous metabolites (e.g., ATP/ADP ratios) in disease lesions vs. healthy tissue. |
FAQs
What is the typical Lower Limit of Quantification (LLOQ)?
Sensitivity depends on the analyte's ionization efficiency, but we routinely achieve LLOQ in the low femtomole to attomole range per pixel.
What spatial resolution can I expect?
- Standard: 20–100 µm (Ideal for whole-body or large organ mapping).
- High Definition: 5–10 µm (Ideal for detailed tissue structures).
- Sub-cellular:<1 µm (Available via SIMS).
Can you analyze Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues?
Yes. While fresh frozen tissue is preferred for metabolomics and lipids, we have optimized antigen retrieval protocols for peptide and protein imaging in FFPE samples using MALDI-MSI.
What is the typical turnaround time for qMSI projects?
Our standard turnaround time is 3-4 weeks from sample receipt to delivery of processed, publication-ready results.
How is pricing determined for qMSI projects?
Project costs depend on the specifics of your samples and experimental requirements. We recommend discussing your project details with our team first, so we can provide an accurate, tailored quote based on your workflow, sample number, and analysis needs.
Learn about other Q&A.
Sample Preparation Guidelines
The following are general recommendations for sample preparation. Please contact us for precise technical support before starting your project.
| Parameter | Requirement | Technical Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Control Tissue | Required | You must submit drug-free control tissue (same species/organ) for us to build the matrix-matched calibration curve. |
| Tissue Format | Fresh Frozen Blocks | Preferred for drugs/metabolites to prevent delocalization. |
| Standard Compound | Pure Reference Material | We require ~5-10 mg of the pure target compound (drug/metabolite) to spike into the calibration standards. |
| Embedding | CMC or Gelatin | Avoid OCT. Polymer interference ruins the calibration baseline. |
Before starting sample preparation, please consult with our team to discuss your sample type and experimental goals, ensuring optimal preparation and smooth workflow.
