Traditional methods measure total concentration after homogenization, losing the information of 'whether the drug actually reaches the target region'. MSI directly gives the pixel-level distribution of the parent drug and metabolites on each section, answering 'how much and where in the liver/kidney/brain/tumor'.
For small-molecule drugs, matrix-free low-background sources (LDPI m/z≥70, DESI) are more suitable than MALDI, which suffers from matrix peak interference.
Metabolites often accumulate around the primary organ (such as the liver) or in specific cell regions. By imaging the parent drug and multiple metabolite ions simultaneously with MSI, active transformation regions can be located, indicating spatial differences in detoxification or activation pathways.
This is directly meaningful for drug safety (such as liver/kidney toxicity sites) and efficacy (target-region activation).
Combining the imaging distribution with plasma/organ-homogenate PK data can distinguish the risk of 'high systemic exposure but low target-region exposure', optimizing dosing and frequency.
Imaging does not replace PK, but adds a spatial dimension to PK, making 'exposure-effect' more interpretable.
Confirm that the ion source covers the target m/z and resolution (for single-cell distribution, see LDPI 2–3 μm); verify identification with standards, and report semi-quantitative distributions using a quantitation strategy.
Neo-Source LDPI/DPI adapts to existing mass spectrometers via external connection, enabling pharmacology teams to build imaging capability incrementally.
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).