The application notes of the Neo-Source MSI DPI list pathology diagnosis as a key area, covering disease biomarker discovery, early diagnosis, clinical pathology research, determining tumor grade and hormone-receptor status. MSI provides in-situ information of 'molecular species + coordinates' that can be registered with H&E and IHC, forming a more complete explanation.
Its engineering advantages fit the tumor scenario: matrix-free, low ion suppression, tissue analyzed directly; 20–200 μm adjustable resolution; the section remains intact after imaging for continued H&E or IHC validation.
In a published DPI case, positive ion mode showed the nevus region mainly presented choline, phosphocholine, S1P, cholesterol, PC and SM, while normal tissue was mostly non-polar lipids such as MAG, DAG and TG; the specific distributions of S1P, cholesterol, PC34:1 and PC38:4 highly matched the H&E nevus region. Negative ion mode presented different PE, PA and PI spectral features, and IHC verified cholesterol aggregation in the nevus region (Talanta, 2021).
This case shows that lipids play an important role in melanocytic nevus formation, and also demonstrates the research paradigm of 'imaging + pathology' combined biomarkers, directly transferable to broader cancer research.
Distinguishing 'tumor tissue from paratumor tissue' is a strength of MSI. Comparing the molecular spectral differences between the tumor region and adjacent normal tissue can lock molecules specifically enriched or absent as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Multiple sample images in the DPI case showed common distribution patterns, suggesting a basis for establishing distinction and diagnosis.
For scenarios requiring higher spatial resolution (e.g., judging whether molecules localize to a certain cell band), the Neo-Source MSI LDPI provides 2–3 μm matrix-free ambient imaging, entering single-cell and even subcellular scale, supplementing the higher-resolution need beyond DPI's 20–200 μm.
MSI-discovered biomarkers are currently mostly at the research and translation stage; entering clinical diagnosis still requires standardization, cohort validation and regulatory procedures. It has clear value in 'assisting biomarker discovery', 'explaining mechanisms' and 'complementing existing diagnosis'.
Engineered to be compatible with mainstream mass spectrometers from Agilent, AB SCIEX and Thermo, DPI provides a self-developed titanium-alloy ion transfer tube that does not damage the sample at the front end and is detachable for cleaning, enabling stable and reproducible cancer-research MSI.
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).