MALDI imaging excels at presenting the spatial distribution of proteins, peptides, lipids and sugars at tissue scale, and is especially common for tumor boundary identification, molecular classification and candidate-drug tissue distribution. Its high throughput (fast TOF acquisition) and broad mass coverage help multi-molecule co-localization.
Common matrices differ in focus: DHB is often used for lipids and metabolites with relatively controlled background; CHCA is often used for proteins and peptides. Matrix choice needs repeated optimization based on the target molecule's mass range and background behavior.
The standard workflow includes frozen/paraffin sectioning, matrix spraying and co-crystallization, raster scanning acquisition, image reconstruction and statistical analysis. Software such as SCiLS Lab, MetaboScape and MSiReader is used for alignment, reconstruction and differential analysis, with imzML as the cross-platform common format.
Standardization of software and formats lets MALDI imaging results be exchanged across platforms, and also facilitates side-by-side comparison with matrix-free source data (such as LDPI), supporting multi-source complementary research.
MALDI has clear advantages in broad coverage of proteins/peptides/lipids, but matrix interference in the low-mass region for small molecules makes it complementary to drug/metabolite imaging. The matrix-free ambient source (such as LDPI) exactly fills this gap.
For studies concerned with both large and small molecules, the 'MALDI + LDPI' combination is often used: the former for broad coverage, the latter for small-molecule low background, obtaining a more complete molecular picture on the same batch of samples.
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).