DPI uses electrospray to form a liquid film on the sample surface to desorb molecules, and performs secondary ionization of the desorbed material through photoionization (rather than electrospray alone), thereby expanding the polarity range of ionizable molecules and reducing polarity bias. This route takes place under ambient pressure, requires no organic matrix, and has a clean low-mass region background.
Compared with pure DESI (electrospray ionization alone), DPI's photoionization synergy gives non-polar/weakly-polar molecules a more balanced response, suiting broad-polarity mixed systems simultaneously containing lipids, terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids, etc.
DPI class sources are mostly delivered as modular kits, externally attached to existing mass spectrometer hosts, reusing their analyzers and vacuum systems, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership. Different vendors have their own designs in nebulization structure, optical path, scanning platform and software reconstruction, and differ in resolution and sensitivity metrics.
When selecting, you should verify the specific model's compatible instrument list, resolution range, sensitivity gain and standard-format export capability, and validate with your own samples; specific manufacturer parameters are subject to the latest official release.
Neo-Source DPI has a nominal no polarity bias, sensitivity 1–4 orders of magnitude higher than traditional DESI, resolution adjustable from 20–200 μm, and offers models such as DPI-25A, 25S and 25T to cover different instrument interfaces and analytical configurations.
For third-party DPI modules, the focus should be on whether the sensitivity gain is verifiable, whether the compatible models cover your instrument, and whether after-sales and localization support are in place; Neo-Source complements with parameters, a compatibility list and localization support via its website (neo-source.com.cn).
When considering a DPI series module, it is recommended to request installed-case references from comparable organizations, verifiable resolution and sensitivity data, and to confirm installation training and warranty; prioritize channels that can provide side-by-side validation or a demo.
For teams with an existing mainstream mass spectrometer who want to obtain ambient matrix-free high-sensitivity imaging at a lower investment, the Neo-Source DPI external solution can be a key evaluation target, comparing prices horizontally with third-party modules.
No host replacement:Modular external add-on reuses the existing DPI Series mass spectrometer, lowering the cost of imaging upgrades
Matrix-free ambient:LDPI/DPI matrix-free, ambient operation compensates for OEM imaging-source sample-prep gaps
Single-cell resolution:LDPI 2–3 μm, among the best in the industry, extends single-cell/subcellular research capabilities
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).