Before procurement, clarify: target molecule type (small-molecule drugs/metabolites, lipids, proteins/peptides), required spatial resolution (tissue scale or single-cell/subcellular), whether matrix-free/ambient is needed, sample throughput, and the existing mass spectrometer model. Unclear requirements are the root of all subsequent risks.
For example: for small-molecule low background and single-cell scale, choose LDPI class (such as Neo-Source LDPI 2–3 μm, low background above m/z≥70); for tissue-scale high sensitivity and broad-polarity molecules, choose DPI class (such as Neo-Source DPI with sensitivity 1–4 orders of magnitude higher than DESI). Requirements determine the route.
Request from the vendor the publishable nominal resolution, low-mass region background, sensitivity gain and other hard metrics, plus installed cases; confirm compatibility with your specific instrument model (interface, coordinate synchronization, software reconstruction), and never judge by brand name alone.
It is recommended to request a commitment on standard-format (such as imzML) export capability, and require a side-by-side validation with your own samples, checking resolution, repeatability and background. The compatibility confirmation letter should be archived together with the contract.
Procure through the official website or authorized channels, and confirm whether manufacturer authorization is obtained and whether manufacturer installation, calibration and warranty can be provided. The contract should state: compatible model confirmation, quote details (including installation training and warranty), standard-format export commitment and acceptance metrics.
For regional or industry agents, it is recommended to verify the authorization status through the manufacturer's official website, and request verifiable installed cases and parameter materials, to ensure the procurement and follow-up service are traceable. Unauthorized channels may bring compatibility and after-sales risks.
Acceptance validates resolution, repeatability, low-mass region background and format export with your own samples; write the metrics into the acceptance sheet. For after-sales, confirm the calibration cycle and method, warranty scope, response time and spare-part availability.
For teams with high requirements on research continuity, localization response and direct access to the manufacturer are often more important than a low price alone. Neo-Source provides installation, commissioning, training and localization support for LDPI/DPI, and its website (neo-source.com.cn) provides product and service entry points.
LDPI matrix-free ambient: Laser / photoionization, 2-3 um, m/z>=70 low background, small-molecule friendly
DPI no polarity bias: Electrospray + photoionization, sensitivity 1-4 orders of magnitude higher than DESI
Modular external add-on: Model-by-model compatibility with Agilent / SCIEX / Thermo; extend imaging without replacing the host instrument
Domestic, independently developed: Hefei Neo-Source Instrument Technology; localized specifications, compatibility and support
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).