Multimodal Imaging System

Significance of the Topic

Multimodal imaging integrates molecular and elemental visualization techniques to deliver comprehensive spatial and quantitative insights into biological tissues. This approach addresses critical needs in pathology, pharmacology and biomaterials research by revealing both chemical composition and distribution of targeted compounds within complex samples.

Objectives and Study Overview

This whitepaper presents Shimadzu’s Multimodal Imaging System, combining atmospheric‐pressure MALDI‐MS imaging (iMScope QT) with LC/MS Q‐TOF and LA-ICP-MS to achieve high‐resolution, high‐accuracy molecular and elemental imaging. It also introduces IMAGEREVEAL™ MS software for streamlined data analysis across multiple modalities.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The core components of the multimodal system include:

• iMScope QT: an atmospheric‐pressure MALDI‐MS imaging microscope paired with high‐resolution optics.
• LCMS Q-TOF (LCMS-9030/9050): enables qualitative and quantitative LC/MS analysis with rapid switching capability.
• LA-ICP-MS (ICPMS-2030 with laser ablation): performs elemental imaging and sensitive quantification of metals in tissues.
• IMAGEREVEAL MS: a unified software platform supporting imdx, imzML and Analyze 7.5 formats, offering multivariate analysis and batch processing for large datasets.

Main Results and Discussion

Two application examples demonstrate system performance:

• Gadolinium Contrast Imaging: In a myocardial infarction mouse model, LA-ICP-MS mapped gadolinium distribution in cardiac tissue while iMScope QT revealed molecular signatures of the collagen‐binding contrast agent Gadofluorine P. Combined data provided a detailed view of contrast uptake in extracellular matrix.
• Photosensitizer Distribution in Tumor Spheroids: A tumor spheroid treated with mTHPP and palladium‐labeled mTHPP-Pd was analyzed. Elemental mapping of Pd by LA-ICP-MS and molecular imaging of porphyrin by MALDI-MS showed congruent distributions, with elemental data offering quantitative insight.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages of the multimodal approach include:

• Enhanced spatial resolution (down to a few micrometers) and mass accuracy.
• Seamless transition between imaging and LC/MS analysis without sample relocation.
• Integrated software workflow reducing data conversion and analysis time.
• Quantitative elemental information complementing molecular maps.

Potential applications range from drug distribution studies and biomarker validation to environmental and materials science investigations.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions in multimodal imaging encompass:

• Integration with cryogenic and 3D imaging techniques for volumetric analysis.
• AI‐driven data fusion and pattern recognition to enhance biomarker discovery.
• Higher mass‐resolution instruments and advanced ionization methods for broader analyte coverage.
• Clinical translation for surgical guidance and personalized medicine.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s Multimodal Imaging System offers a robust, user‐friendly platform that merges molecular and elemental imaging, delivering rich spatial and quantitative data. The synergy of iMScope QT, LC/MS Q-TOF, LA-ICP-MS and IMAGEREVEAL MS streamlines workflows and expands analytical capabilities, supporting diverse research and QA/QC applications.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation (2023) Multimodal Imaging System. First Edition: October 2020, Publication C146-E423A.