Molecular elemental imaging

Significance of Topic

The combination of high sensitivity elemental analysis and molecular imaging offers deeper insights into the spatial distribution of elements and biomolecules in biological and industrial samples. This approach supports applications ranging from preclinical research to quality control in manufacturing and environmental monitoring.

Objectives and Study Overview

The study aimed to demonstrate advances in two complementary mass spectrometry imaging platforms from Shimadzu: the ICPMS-2030 for laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and the iMScope QT for imaging mass microscopy. Key goals were to reduce operational costs, simplify workflow, achieve high spatial resolution, and enable integrated optical and mass spectrometry data analysis.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The work involved two main instruments and a multimodal imaging system

• ICPMS-2030 with Mini-Torch plasma and LA-ICP-MS software for automated data acquisition and reduced argon consumption
• iMScope QT Imaging Mass Microscope equipped with an optical microscope for high-resolution molecular imaging by MALDI-MS
• Shimadzu Multimodal Imaging System IMAGEREVEAL MS Ver.1.2 for fusion of optical and mass spectrometry images

Key Results and Discussion

• Mini-Torch plasma reduced argon gas flow from 18 L/min to 11 L/min, lowering running costs by approximately 60 while maintaining plasma temperature and sensitivity
• LA-ICP-MS software streamlined operation by outputting each imaging experiment as a single data file, eliminating manual file registration and reducing selection errors
• iMScope QT achieved molecular imaging at 5 µm spatial resolution with high mass accuracy and stable temperature control
• Combined elemental and molecular imaging visualized distribution of Gadofluorine P in mouse myocardial infarction tissue, demonstrating complementary insights from LA-ICP-MS and MALDI-MS
• Wide-area analysis of a mouse brain (17 mm by 9.4 mm) was completed at 15 µm resolution in about six hours

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Quantitative mapping of elemental distributions in tissues and materials supports toxicology, metallomics, and materials science
• Molecular imaging at cellular scale aids drug distribution studies, biomarker discovery, and pathology research
• Automated workflows enhance throughput and reproducibility for QA/QC in pharmaceuticals and industrial processes
• Multimodal data fusion improves interpretation and correlation of optical and chemical information

Future Trends and Applications

Integration of AI-driven image analysis, faster acquisition hardware, and expanded mass range will further improve sensitivity and throughput. Emerging applications include single-cell elemental profiling, 3D volumetric imaging, and real-time monitoring of chemical processes.

Conclusion

Advances in Mini-Torch plasma technology, streamlined software, and multimodal imaging have significantly reduced costs and complexity while enhancing spatial resolution and data integration. These improvements broaden the applicability of mass spectrometry imaging across research and industrial domains.