Spatial Metabolomics Service
Spatial metabolomics is a cutting-edge analytical approach that bridges the gap between traditional molecular analysis and histology. By combining advanced mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with histological context, this technology allows researchers to map the precise spatial distribution and abundance of thousands of metabolites, lipids, and drugs directly within intact tissue sections. Without the need for complex labeling or staining, spatial metabolomics provides an unprecedented, multidimensional view of cellular metabolism, disease microenvironments, and drug interactions exactly where they occur in situ.
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- Our services
- Workflow
- Platform
- Applications
- Why Choose
- FAQs
Our Services
We offer a comprehensive suite of spatial metabolomics solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of your research, from discovery phases to preclinical drug evaluation.
Core Profiling Services
- Spatial Untargeted Metabolomics Service: Broad-spectrum mapping of endogenous metabolites and lipids to discover novel spatial biomarkers and understand global metabolic shifts.
- Spatial Targeted Metabolomics Service: Highly sensitive, focused analysis of specific metabolic pathways or metabolite classes within tissue microenvironments.
Advanced Imaging Technologies
- Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging (qMSI) Service: Absolute quantification of target molecules across tissue sections using stable isotope-labeled standards.
- MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) Service: High-spatial-resolution imaging utilizing Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization, ideal for a vast range of metabolites, lipids, and peptides.
- DESI Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI-MSI) Service: Ambient ionization technique requiring minimal sample preparation, perfect for rapid lipidomic and small molecule mapping.
- LA-ICP-MS Imaging Service: Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for high-resolution spatial mapping of trace elements and metals in tissues.
Pharmaceutical & Clinical Applications
- Spatial Drug Distribution Analysis Service: Visualizing the precise localization and accumulation of drug compounds within target and off-target tissues.
- In situ PK&PD Analysis Service: Correlating Pharmacokinetics with Pharmacodynamics directly within the spatial context of the tissue.
- Drug Response & Spatial Pharmacology Studies: Evaluating how therapeutic interventions alter the metabolic landscape of a tissue over time.
- Disease vs. Normal Comparative Spatial Metabolomics: Identifying region-specific metabolic alterations driving pathology by comparing diseased and healthy tissues.
Workflow
Our streamlined, end-to-end workflow ensures high-quality data and reproducible results for every project:

Platform


Applications
- Oncology: Mapping tumor heterogeneity, identifying invasive margins, and evaluating drug penetration in the tumor microenvironment.
- Neuroscience: Visualizing lipidomic alterations in neurodegenerative diseases and mapping neurotransmitter distributions.
- Drug Discovery & Development: Performing label-free tissue distribution studies (spatial ADME) and assessing localized drug toxicity.
- Infectious Disease: Observing host-pathogen metabolic interactions directly at the site of infection.
- Plant & Agricultural Sciences: Mapping agrochemicals, plant hormones, and secondary metabolites in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Why Choose Us
- Comprehensive Technology Portfolio: We don't rely on a single technology; we match the right tool (MALDI, DESI, LA-ICP) to your specific biological question.
- End-to-End Expertise: From delicate sample handling to complex spatial bioinformatics, our Ph.D.-level scientists manage every step.
- Customized Solutions: We develop bespoke protocols for challenging tissue types or novel chemical entities.
- High Resolution & Sensitivity: We leverage the latest instrumentation to push the boundaries of spatial and mass resolution.
- Data Security & Quality Control: Rigorous QC checkpoints ensure reproducible, reliable, and secure data delivery.
FAQs
What types of samples can be analyzed?
We primarily analyze fresh-frozen tissue sections, as this preserves the native metabolic state best.
Do I need to label my drug or metabolite of interest?
No. Spatial metabolomics is a label-free technology. We detect molecules based on their exact mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).
What spatial resolution can be achieved?
Resolution depends on the chosen platform and the specific requirements of your study. We can achieve standard resolutions of 5–100 µm for routine tissue profiling.
How much tissue is required?
We typically require only a few tissue sections mounted on specialized conductive glass slides. We recommend providing a small block of tissue so we can optimize the sectioning and matrix application process.
Learn about other Q&A.