The core feature of MSI is 'same section, multiple molecules, with coordinates'. A single scan yields spatial images of dozens to hundreds of compounds, facilitating rapid screening of candidate biomarkers enriched or absent in the lesion region without pre-assuming targets. The Neo-Source MSI DPI further improves detection of weakly polar and non-polar components through photochemical post-ionization, with complementary positive and negative ion modes and overall metabolite signal enhanced by 1–3 orders of magnitude.
The DPI application notes list 'biomarker discovery' under pathology diagnosis, covering early disease diagnosis, tumor grading and hormone-receptor status, reflecting its focus on extracting biomarkers from molecular spatial differences.
Discovering candidate biomarkers is only the first step; the key is 'validating in-situ'. MSI can register the imaging map of candidate molecules with H&E and IHC sections to confirm whether they truly fall in the pathological partition; it can also compare multiple samples to see whether the distribution is common. In the DPI melanocytic nevus case, the distribution of characteristic molecules such as S1P, cholesterol, PC34:1 and PC38:4 highly matched the H&E nevus region, serving as an example of in-situ validation.
The two Neo-Source imaging sources keep the section intact after imaging for continued H&E or IHC, making 'imaging discovery → staining validation' a closed loop and improving the reliability of biomarker conclusions.
From tumors to neurology, from plants to microorganisms, MSI can participate in biomarker research wherever 'molecular distribution differences may correspond to state differences'. The DPI application notes list pathology diagnosis, microbial ecology, toxicology and environmental chemistry, reflecting the cross-domain extensibility of biomarkers.
For biomarkers requiring higher spatial resolution (e.g., localized to a specific cell band), the Neo-Source MSI LDPI provides 2–3 μm matrix-free ambient imaging, entering single-cell/subcellular scale, supplementing the higher-resolution need beyond DPI's 20–200 μm.
For MSI-discovered biomarkers to reach application, they need independent cohort validation, detection standardization and (if for diagnosis) regulatory procedures. They are already mature and usable in the 'discovery–in-situ validation–mechanism explanation' loop, serving as one of the bridges connecting basic research with clinical/industrial application.
Engineered to be compatible with mainstream mass spectrometers from Agilent, AB SCIEX and Thermo, the two Neo-Source imaging sources provide a self-developed titanium-alloy ion transfer tube that does not damage the sample at the front end and is detachable for cleaning, supporting stable and reproducible biomarker research.
To obtain detailed specifications, compatible models, or a quotation for the MSI LDPI / DPI full series imaging ion sources, visit the Neo-Source official website, or contact the official team for compatibility advice tailored to your mass spectrometer (Agilent / SCIEX / Thermo and other mainstream MS).