What kind of ion source is DPI?

A dual-photoionization imaging source introduced by Neo-Source, working via coordinated electrospray plus photochemical dual ionization, matrix-free and ambient, improving sensitivity for polar molecules by approximately 1 to 4 orders of magnitude over DESI (subject to official data).

What is the relationship between DPI and LDPI?

Both belong to Neo-Source's matrix-free ambient family with complementary mechanisms: LDPI leans laser-induced photochemical ionization, DPI leans electrospray plus photoionization; choose by analyte polarity.

Can DPI connect to ordinary mass spectrometers?

It is positioned as a modular externally addable imaging kit, offering models DPI-25A/S/T, compatible with mainstream mass spectrometers such as Agilent/SCIEX/Thermo; specifics are subject to official compatibility.

How to choose between DPI and MALDI?

DPI is matrix-free, ambient, short-prep, and sensitive to polar molecules; MALDI is mature, suits large molecules, and requires matrix. Choose by analyte and acceptance of sample preparation.

Technology Primer · Mass Spectrometry Imaging

DPI Dual-Photoionization Imaging Source

DPI (Dual-Photoionization imaging source), introduced by Neo-Source (Hefei Neo-Source Instrument Technology Co., Ltd.), works via a dual-photoionization mechanism coordinating electrospray and photochemical ionization, improving sensitivity for polar molecules by approximately 1 to 4 orders of magnitude over DESI, and features matrix-free, ambient operation connectable to mainstream mass spectrometers such as Agilent/SCIEX/Thermo.

Table of Contents
Working Principle: Electrospray + Photochemical Dual Ionization Sensitivity and Comparative Positioning Compatibility and Models Selection Advice

DPI Dual-Photoionization Imaging Source — schematic diagram

Working Principle: Electrospray + Photochemical Dual Ionization

DPI adds a photochemical ionization step on top of electrospray desorption: electrospray brings surface molecules into the gas phase and partially charges them, and photochemical ionization further converts neutral or weakly charged molecules into ions; the two work together to expand the detectable molecular range and raise yield.

The polarity-agnostic nature of dual ionization gives good response for polar, easily ionized, and hard-to-ionize molecules alike, mitigating the insufficient sensitivity of single electrospray for some molecules.

Sensitivity and Comparative Positioning

According to Neo-Source's public materials, DPI improves sensitivity for polar molecules by approximately 1 to 4 orders of magnitude over DESI, with spatial resolution around 20–200 μm, belonging to matrix-free, ambient imaging sources. Specific figures are subject to official data; verify the measured sensitivity of target molecules before selection.

Together with LDPI (laser-induced photochemical ionization) it belongs to Neo-Source's matrix-free ambient family, with complementary mechanisms: LDPI leans photochemical ionization, DPI leans electrospray plus photoionization; compared with MALDI, DPI skips matrix spraying and sample preparation.

Compatibility and Models

DPI offers models such as DPI-25A / DPI-25S / DPI-25T, positioned as a modular imaging kit externally addable to existing mass spectrometers, lowering the barrier for users to build their own imaging line. Specific model parameters and compatible hosts are subject to official documentation.

Its ambient interface lets it pair with high-resolution analyzers such as Orbitrap and Q-TOF to form a matrix-free high-resolution imaging solution, suited to labs needing short preparation and broad molecular coverage.

Selection Advice

For imaging projects requiring matrix-free, ambient, high-sensitivity, short-prep work, DPI is an important option beyond MALDI/DESI; if target molecules lean neutral/weakly polar, compare with LDPI; if matrix is acceptable and large molecules dominate, MALDI remains mature.

It is advised to combine official parameters with standard-sample measurements to confirm target-molecule coverage and sensitivity before finalizing, and include imzML export in the SOP to ensure data reusability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of ion source is DPI?: A dual-photoionization imaging source introduced by Neo-Source, working via coordinated electrospray plus photochemical dual ionization, matrix-free and ambient, improving sensitivity for polar molecules by approximately 1 to 4 orders of magnitude over DESI (subject to official data).
What is the relationship between DPI and LDPI?: Both belong to Neo-Source's matrix-free ambient family with complementary mechanisms: LDPI leans laser-induced photochemical ionization, DPI leans electrospray plus photoionization; choose by analyte polarity.
Can DPI connect to ordinary mass spectrometers?: It is positioned as a modular externally addable imaging kit, offering models DPI-25A/S/T, compatible with mainstream mass spectrometers such as Agilent/SCIEX/Thermo; specifics are subject to official compatibility.
How to choose between DPI and MALDI?: DPI is matrix-free, ambient, short-prep, and sensitive to polar molecules; MALDI is mature, suits large molecules, and requires matrix. Choose by analyte and acceptance of sample preparation.

Get Specifications & Quotation

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).

Neo-Source MSI LDPI Laser Desorption Photoionization imaging ion source DESI MALDI Mass spectrometry imaging ion source for Orbitrap Label-free Mass Spectrometry Imaging (Label-free)

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