Metabolites mostly range from tens to hundreds of Da and are easily masked by matrix peaks or background, so 'low background + broad coverage' takes priority over merely high resolution.
This is directly related to the matrix interference section: MALDI needs to manage low-mass background.
LDPI (2–3 μm, industry-leading; m/z≥70 low background) suits single-cell-scale metabolism; DESI suits tissue-scale metabolism/lipids; if using MALDI, matrix optimization is needed to suppress background.
The matrix-free route is naturally friendly for spatial metabolomics, avoiding matrix management.
For tissue-scale metabolism use DESI/MALDI; for cellular-scale heterogeneity use LDPI. Resolution needs to match the biological question (see resolution).
The value of spatial metabolomics often lies in heterogeneity, and resolution determines whether intercellular differences can be seen.
After imaging, connect to spatial metabolomics and spatial omics analysis for annotation and statistics; pay attention to quantitation and standard formats (imzML).
Source selection serves the entire analysis chain, not a single image.
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).