Multimodal Imaging System

Significance of the Topic

Mass spectrometry imaging integrates spatially resolved molecular and elemental analysis to reveal biochemical and structural information in complex samples. Combining MALDI-MS imaging with LA-ICP-MS enhances understanding of biomolecular localization alongside metal distributions. This multimodal approach supports research in pathology, pharmaceutical development, environmental studies, and quality control by providing complementary data within a unified workflow.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work presents a Shimadzu multimodal imaging system comprising the iMScope QT atmospheric pressure MALDI-MS imaging microscope, the LCMS-9030 high resolution mass spectrometer, the ICPMS-2030 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer coupled to laser ablation, and the IMAGEREVEAL MS Ver 1.1 data analysis software. The aim is to demonstrate streamlined acquisition of molecular and elemental images, enhanced spatial resolution, and efficient data processing for diverse biological applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• iMScope QT Imaging Mass Microscope: combines high resolution optical microscopy with atmospheric pressure MALDI-MS imaging enabling spatial resolution improvement and reduced acquisition time.
• LCMS-9030 Mass Spectrometer: provides qualitative and quantitative analysis in LC MS mode and attaches to the iMScope for dual modality operation.
• ICPMS-2030 with Laser Ablation: facilitates elemental imaging via LA-ICP-MS, delivering sensitive quantitation of metal distributions.
• IMAGEREVEAL MS Ver 1.1 Software: supports reading of kbd, imzML, Analyze7.5 and imdx formats, offers multivariate analysis tools, handles large datasets and simultaneous multi-sample processing.

Main Results and Discussion

• Gadolinium Contrast Imaging: Elemental mapping of Gadofluorine P in mouse cardiac tissue via LA-ICP-MS and molecular mapping via iMScope showed consistent localization in infarct regions, illustrating complementary data fusion.
• Photosensitizer Distribution in Tumor Spheroids: Imaging of mTHPP and palladium labeled mTHPP in HT-29 spheroids demonstrated overlapping distributions by MALDI-MS and LA-ICP-MS, with quantitative elemental data enhancing interpretation.

These examples confirm the system capability to correlate molecular species and metal contrast agents in situ, supporting advanced biomedical research.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Unified Workflow: Seamless switching between MALDI imaging and LC MS analysis saves time and instrument reconfiguration.
• High Throughput: Reduced imaging time and support for large datasets accelerates data acquisition and analysis.
• Versatility: Applicable to tissue imaging, drug distribution studies, metalloprotein mapping, and nanomaterial tracking.
• Quantitative Insights: LA-ICP-MS offers precise elemental quantification complementing semi-quantitative molecular maps.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration with Additional Modalities: Combining with chromatography, ion mobility, or fluorescence imaging for deeper insights.
• Automation and AI: Implementing machine learning for pattern recognition, anomaly detection and predictive modeling.
• High Resolution Advances: Development of submicron resolution techniques to probe cellular and subcellular structures.
• Clinical Translation: Adoption in diagnostic workflows for personalized medicine and targeted therapy monitoring.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu multimodal imaging platform delivers robust capabilities for correlating molecular and elemental distributions within a single integrated system. High spatial resolution, rapid imaging workflows, and powerful data analysis tools enable researchers in life sciences and materials science to uncover complex biological phenomena and improve analytical throughput.

Reference

• Shimadzu C146-E423: Multimodal Imaging System Application Note