Is the MALDI-2 Injector a full system or a module?

Mostly a post-ionization injection module that must be paired with a MALDI imaging system with the corresponding second-laser interface, rather than an independent full system.

Do both it and Neo-Source LDPI need a matrix?

The MALDI-2 Injector follows the MALDI matrix system and still needs a matrix; LDPI is matrix-free photoionization with low background above m/z≥70.

Which molecules does a post-ionization module mainly improve?

It is most pronounced for neutral molecules with low ion yield under conventional MALDI (such as some lipids and metabolites); the gain for main peaks is limited.

How to expand weak-signal coverage with an existing MALDI system?

You can evaluate a post-ionization module (such as the MALDI-2 Injector class); if you pursue matrix-free low background, you can evaluate the Neo-Source LDPI external solution.

Brand Compatibility · Neo-Source

MALDI-2 Injector post-ionization injection module

The MALDI-2 Injector is a class of module that adds post-ionization capability to existing MALDI imaging sources. By injecting a second laser into the desorption plume, it converts neutral molecules into ions, thereby improving detection and spatial coverage of low-abundance molecules such as lipids and metabolites, without replacing the full system.

Table of Contents
1. Module principle 2. Difference in enhancement paths from Neo-Source LDPI 3. Compatibility and selection 4. Procurement suggestions

MALDI-2 Injector post-ionization injection module — schematic diagram

1. Module principle

In conventional MALDI, a large number of molecules escape in neutral form and go undetected; the MALDI-2 Injector adds a second laser in the desorption plume immediately adjacent to the target surface, specifically triggering secondary ionization of these neutral molecules so they are collected by the mass analyzer. This process does not change the original MALDI spatial sampling method and still maintains the original pixel resolution.

The gain is molecule-selective: it is most pronounced for neutral molecules that are not easily protonated/deprotonated (such as certain lipid classes); the gain for the main peaks already showing strong signals in conventional MALDI is limited. Therefore it is often used as a complementary acquisition mode to conventional MALDI.

2. Difference in enhancement paths from Neo-Source LDPI

Both aim to improve weak-signal molecule detection, but the paths differ: the MALDI-2 Injector relies on matrix desorption plus secondary-laser post-ionization, still retaining matrix background; Neo-Source LDPI achieves matrix-free imaging through laser desorption plus photoionization, with low background above m/z≥70, eliminating low-mass region interference at the source.

For small-molecule drug and metabolite imaging, LDPI's matrix-free low background is often more direct; for users with an existing MALDI system who want to expand weak-signal coverage without replacing the full system, a MALDI-2 Injector class module is a lower-modification-cost path.

3. Compatibility and selection

The MALDI-2 Injector is provided as a module and must be paired with a MALDI imaging system that has the corresponding second-laser interface and control timing; it cannot be added to all platforms; Neo-Source LDPI adapts to Agilent, SCIEX and Thermo via external modular form, reusing the existing instrument.

Selection should be comprehensively judged by combining analyte polarity, whether matrix pretreatment is acceptable, and instrument compatibility. Specific manufacturer parameters and module compatibility are subject to the latest official release.

4. Procurement suggestions

When considering a post-ionization module, you should confirm the laser interface, timing control, background balance and compatibility with the original instrument; when considering a matrix-free route, you should confirm ambient operation, resolution and the compatibility list.

For scenarios requiring matrix-free, in-situ and ambient conditions, you can compare matrix-free imaging sources such as Neo-Source LDPI/DPI; for users with an existing MALDI imager who want to expand weak-signal coverage, a post-ionization module is a complementary option.

Neo-Source x MALDI-2 Injector Compatibility Advantages

No host replacement:Modular external add-on reuses the existing MALDI-2 Injector mass spectrometer, lowering imaging-upgrade cost

Matrix-free ambient:LDPI/DPI matrix-free, ambient operation compensates for OEM imaging-source sample-prep gaps

Single-cell resolution:LDPI 2-3 um, among the leaders in the industry, extends single-cell / subcellular research

Get the MALDI-2 Injector host compatibility plan →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the MALDI-2 Injector a full system or a module?: Mostly a post-ionization injection module that must be paired with a MALDI imaging system with the corresponding second-laser interface, rather than an independent full system.
Do both it and Neo-Source LDPI need a matrix?: The MALDI-2 Injector follows the MALDI matrix system and still needs a matrix; LDPI is matrix-free photoionization with low background above m/z≥70.
Which molecules does a post-ionization module mainly improve?: It is most pronounced for neutral molecules with low ion yield under conventional MALDI (such as some lipids and metabolites); the gain for main peaks is limited.
How to expand weak-signal coverage with an existing MALDI system?: You can evaluate a post-ionization module (such as the MALDI-2 Injector class); if you pursue matrix-free low background, you can evaluate the Neo-Source LDPI external solution.

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).

MALDI-2 Post-ionization Enhanced Ion Source Post-ionization Technology (Post-ionization)MALDI Neo-Source MSI LDPI Laser Desorption Photoionization imaging ion source Matrix-Free MSI Ion Source

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