DESI-class: the core is the spray needle and capillary, which need periodic solvent flushing to prevent salt/lipid crystallization blockage and keep the spray stable; LDPI/DPI-class: the core is the laser window, ion transfer tube and spray assembly, and the transfer tube is recommended to use a detachable titanium-alloy part with periodic ultrasonic cleaning; MALDI/SIMS-class: the core is the vacuum chamber, target plate and ion optics, requiring control of vacuum contamination.
Neo-Source MSI 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, reducing maintenance from 'whole-unit return repair' to 'fast component disassembly'. This modular design significantly lowers long-term maintenance cost.
After each use: flush the spray path with clean solvent, wipe the sample contact surface, and check the spray shape and laser spot; after each week/each batch of samples: perform standard signal monitoring, and enter the cleaning workflow as soon as sensitivity drops.
Keeping the environment clean (dust and humidity control), removing salts in sample pretreatment, and avoiding touching optical and spray surfaces with hands can reduce contamination at the source. For ambient sources, also pay attention to the long-term effect of air background and humidity on the signal.
When salt crystallization, lipid crusting or abnormal background appears, follow the manufacturer's SOP to remove maintainable parts (spray needle, transfer tube, window) for ultrasonic cleaning or wiping with a suitable solvent; do not use strongly corrosive reagents that would damage optical/metal surfaces.
For stubborn contamination, stepwise gentle cleaning is better than forceful scraping. After cleaning, parts must be fully dried, reassembled and verified with standards, and only put back into sample use after confirming the signal has recovered to baseline.
Establish a usage and maintenance log for the source: cumulative instrument-on time, cleaning dates and standard signal curves. Trend-wise decline is often a precursor to optical aging or transfer-tube wear, and replacement can be scheduled in advance.
When purchasing, prioritize modular sources that allow fast disassembly and cleaning (such as DPI's detachable titanium-alloy transfer tube and LDPI's maintainable optical path), which can minimize downtime and cost throughout the life cycle.
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).