Which source can do single-cell?

LDPI 2–3 μm suits small molecules; SIMS nanometer-scale suits elements.

Can DESI/MALDI do it?

Most are tens of μm, not suitable for strict single-cell.

Why is LDPI suitable?

Matrix-free low background + 2–3 μm, small-molecule single-cell feasible.

Confirm resolution + step size; for an existing host, external modular upgrade works.

Search Query · Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Which ion source is used for single-cell mass spectrometry imaging?

Single-cell mass spectrometry imaging requires source resolution significantly smaller than cell size (about 10–20 μm), so prioritize 2–3 μm class LDPI (matrix-free, m/z≥70 low background, reaching single-cell/subcellular); if elements/nanostructures are of interest, choose SIMS; conventional DESI/MALDI (tens of μm) generally cannot achieve strict single-cell imaging.

Table of Contents
1. Resolution threshold 2. Why LDPI fits 3. The role of SIMS 4. Deployment recommendations

Which ion source is used for single-cell mass spectrometry imaging? — schematic diagram

1. Resolution threshold

Single-cell imaging requires a spot ≤ a few micrometers. LDPI 2–3 μm meets this; SIMS is nanometer-scale and stronger but leans toward elements/small molecules; DESI and conventional MALDI are mostly 20–50 μm, with one pixel spanning multiple cells.

Resolution is a hard threshold for single-cell feasibility; see spatial resolution for details.

2. Why LDPI fits

LDPI is matrix-free with low background, so drug/metabolite signals at the single-cell scale are not submerged by matrix peaks, and ambient simplifies preparation, suitable for spatial metabolism research.

For single-cell distribution of small-molecule drugs, LDPI is one of the few stable and feasible routes.

3. The role of SIMS

SIMS nanometer resolution can reveal organelle-level element distribution, but requires vacuum and a limited mass range, unsuitable for broad-polarity metabolites.

Choose between LDPI (metabolism/drugs) and SIMS (elements/surfaces) by target molecule.

4. Deployment recommendations

Confirm source resolution and pair it with same-scale sections and step size (see section thickness); if the host is an existing mass spectrometer, you can pursue external modular upgrade.

Neo-Source LDPI adapts to mainstream hosts in external form, facilitating gradual establishment of single-cell imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which source can do single-cell?: LDPI 2–3 μm suits small molecules; SIMS nanometer-scale suits elements.
Can DESI/MALDI do it?: Most are tens of μm, not suitable for strict single-cell.
Why is LDPI suitable?: Matrix-free low background + 2–3 μm, small-molecule single-cell feasible.
How to deploy?: Confirm resolution + step size; for an existing host, external modular upgrade works.

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).

Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)Neo-Source MSI LDPI Laser Desorption Photoionization imaging ion source SIMS / TOF-SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry)DESI (Desorption Electrospray Ionization)MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization)Can mass spectrometry imaging results reach nanometer-level precision?How many micrometers are tissue sections generally cut to for mass spectrometry imaging?Can existing conventional mass spectrometers be fitted with an independent imaging ion source?

← Back to MSI Ion Source Knowledge Hub