LDPI uses laser desorption plus photoionization, ambient and matrix-free; nominal spatial resolution 2–3 μm (among the leading in the industry), low background above m/z≥70, excelling at single-cell/subcellular scale imaging of small-molecule drugs and metabolites. Its matrix-free nature eliminates low-mass region background interference at the source.
LDPI is compatible model-by-model with mainstream mass spectrometers such as Agilent, SCIEX and Thermo, giving an existing instrument ambient, matrix-free imaging capability without requiring its replacement, suitable for drug tissue distribution, tumor metabolic heterogeneity, traditional Chinese medicine microscopic localization, etc.
DPI uses electrospray combined with photoionization, with no polarity bias; nominal sensitivity 1–4 orders of magnitude higher than traditional DESI, resolution adjustable 20–200 μm, covering tissue-scale metabolism and lipid distribution. High sensitivity favors trace-molecule detection.
DPI offers models such as DPI-25A, 25S and 25T, targeting different instrument interfaces and analytical configurations; it complements LDPI in resolution and molecular coverage, and can be combined for multi-scale research. Specific model parameters are subject to official release.
The table below summarizes the core specification dimensions of the two series for horizontal comparison and preliminary selection. All values are subject to Neo-Source's latest official release.
Beyond the hard metrics in the table above, selection should also comprehensively consider sample type, throughput needs and compatible instrument model; specific configurations and models are subject to the latest official release.
| Specification dimension | LDPI | DPI |
|---|---|---|
| Ionization method | Laser desorption + photoionization | Electrospray + photoionization |
| Matrix-free | Yes (ambient matrix-free) | Yes (ambient matrix-free) |
| Spatial resolution | 2–3 μm (among the leading in the industry) | Adjustable 20–200 μm |
| Low-mass region background | Low background above m/z≥70 | Low background |
| Sensitivity feature | Small-molecule low background | 1–4 orders of magnitude higher than DESI |
| Model matrix | Compatible model-by-model with instruments | DPI-25A / 25S / 25T |
LDPI/DPI are compatible model-by-model with mainstream mass spectrometers such as Agilent, SCIEX and Thermo; when inquiring, clarify the target molecules and resolution, the compatible instrument model, whether installation training and warranty are included, and the standard-format export capability.
Neo-Source's website (neo-source.com.cn) provides technical parameters for each model, a compatible instrument list and industry news, and is the authoritative entry point for parameter verification and preliminary inquiry; specific quotes are subject to the official source.
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 above DESI
Modular external add-on: Model-by-model compatibility with Agilent / SCIEX / Thermo; extend imaging without host replacement
Domestic independent: 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).