MALDI Imaging is gaining a lot attention in the context of quantitative proteomics and biomarker detection in Clinical Proteomics. Bruker Daltonics contributes to this innovation with a new software solution, flexImaging™. The software provides an easy-to-use tool for two-dimensional peptide and protein imaging of cells or tissue extracts.

Biomarker discovery

In the context of biomarker analysis, flexImaging provides comprehensive visualization of the spatial distribution of biomarker candidates in a tissue – thus greatly increasing the possibilities of biomarker analysis and complementing the Bruker Daltonics CLINPROT™ biomarker discovery platform.

Workflow for flexImaging analysis

Guiding the user through the analytical procedure, measurement and analysis are performed in a intuitive wizard-driven environment.

• Take microscopic images of tissue slides mounted on conductive microscope slides.
• Apply matrix to the tissue
• insert microscope slide into Bruker Daltonics MTP Slide-Adapter
• load image into the acquisition software and acquire spectra with the Bruker Daltonics autoflex or ultraflex instrument.
• Analysis: visualize intensities of selected masses, mass ranges or groups of masses in the context of the distribution on the microscopic image. Determine the spatial distribution of molecular species such as peptides, proteins or small molecules.

Unique smartbeam™ technology: Gain perfect access to MALDI-Imaging with highest repetition rates

Experience uncompromised performance based on a modified All-Solid-State Laser System, smartbeam combines the advantages of both, the known nitrogen laser performance and the highest reliability of all-solid-state lasers.

Features

Run Editor:

• interactive easy to use graphical editor for defining two dimensional scans
• supports spray and spot array sample preparations
• allows multiple rectangular or polygon shaped areas for measurement
• configurable raster width down to 5 micrometers
• maximum measurement grid size 1000x1000 positions
• excellent flexibility for measurements using autoXecute engine from flexControl for acquisition

Result Viewer:

• creates intensity plots of configurable mass windows
• overlay sample image with color coded results
• automatic search of interesting mass windows