Imaging Mass Microscope iMScope QT

Importance of the Topic

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) integrates spatially resolved molecular information with traditional microscopy, opening new avenues in drug distribution studies, biomarker discovery, and tissue pathology. High sensitivity, spatial resolution, and quantitative capability are critical to translate imaging MS into routine analytical workflows.

Goals and Study Overview

This whitepaper presents the design, performance, and application examples of the Shimadzu iMScope QT system, a next-generation imaging mass spectrometer with integrated optical microscopy and a QTOF mass analyzer. It aims to demonstrate combined qualitative imaging and quantitative analysis in a single platform.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The core instrument is the iMScope QT, which couples an optical microscope with a Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer. For liquid chromatography–MS, the LCMS QTOF can be docked separately. Sample pretreatment is automated by the iMLayer AERO sprayer and the iMLayer vapor deposition system, enabling uniform matrix application. Optional OAD-TOF fragmentation provides bond-specific cleavage for structural elucidation. Data analysis is performed using IMAGEREVEAL MS for image mining and LabSolutions Insight for quantitative LC–MS evaluation.

Key Results and Discussion

• Mouse cerebellum imaged at 5 μm pixel size (393,890 pixels) in ~2.2 h, resolving lipid distributions with clear morphological correlation.
• Whole-brain sections (17 mm × 9.4 mm) acquired at 15 μm intervals (702,624 pixels) in ~6 h, demonstrating high throughput over large areas.
• Chlorpromazine in tissue: MSI mapped regional concentration differences, confirmed by LC–MS of micro-dissected spots, with molecular formula validated by composition estimation (0.15 mDa deviation).
• Mass accuracy stability: continuous analysis of standards (150–1700 Da) remained within ±1 ppm over 60 h under normal temperature fluctuations.
• OAD fragmentation distinguished oleic and vaccenic acids by unique double-bond cleavage patterns.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The unified platform streamlines workflows by combining morphological imaging, molecular mapping, and quantitative LC–MS in one system. Automated sample preparation improves reproducibility, while easy attachment/detachment of the LCMS QTOF enables flexible switching between MSI and high-sensitivity analyses. High spatial resolution and mass accuracy facilitate biomarker discovery, pharmacokinetics, and lipidomics in academia and industry.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in automated data mining, AI-driven image analysis, and multimodal integration (e.g. fluorescence co-registration) will enhance interpretation of complex datasets. Further miniaturization and faster scan rates could extend MSI use in clinical diagnostics, intraoperative guidance, and environmental mapping.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu iMScope QT platform delivers next-generation mass spectrometry imaging by uniting high-resolution spatial mapping with quantitative LC–MS capabilities. Its automated pretreatment, robust mass accuracy, and versatile fragmentation options make it a powerful tool for diverse applications in chemical and biological research.

Reference

• Shimadzu Corporation. iMScope QT: Next-Generation Mass Spectrometry Imaging. First Edition: June 2020. C146-E415C.