MALDI Molecular Imager

Visualization of the spatial distribution of proteins, drug candidate compounds and biomarkers is a promising tool in the exciting fields of biomarker evaluation and drug development. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry provides a fast and reliable screening tool for direct analysis from tissue.

Comprehensive and powerful MALDI Imaging

Detect Biomarkers in tissue samples

MALDI Molecular Imager™ is an integrated discovery platform to provide the researcher with all tools for successful MALDI Imaging experiments: Besides special slides and target frames, the FLEX series instruments offer unrivaled MALDI TOF/TOF technology. Equipped with the latest development in laser-technology, smartbeam™, the system just fits perfectly for any MS Imaging application. Completed with flexImaging™, an easy-to-use software solution, the researcher is guided through the analytical workflow from data acquisition to data evaluation.

Enhance Biomarker Research by Combination of Cutting-Edge Technologies

While tissue profiling is performed with the prominent capabilities of the MALDI Molecular Imager, sample data can also be visualized with ClinProTools, software for biomarker detection and statistical evaluation. Furthermore, with Bruker Daltonics proprietary MS/MS capabilities and software tools for protein and peptide identification, fast and convenient biomarker identification is possible.

Workflow

In a wizard-driven environment, the MALDI Molecular Imager™ guides you through data acquisition and evaluation:

1. Take microscopic images of the tissue slices mounted on conductive microscope slides.
2. Apply matrix to the tissue.
3. Insert the microscope slide into the mass spectrometer using a MTP Slide-Adapter.
4. Load the microscopic image into the acquisition software and acquire spectra with the Bruker Daltonics FLEX instrument.
5. Analysis: visualize intensity distributions of selected masses, mass ranges or groups of masses superimposed on the microscopic image. Determine the spatial distribution of molecular species such as peptides, proteins or small molecules. Peak intensities are represented in color saturations.

Smartbeam is the key technology for MALDI Imaging

Smartbeam’s innovative laser-technology provides the researcher with unrivaled features for comprehensive access to imaging applications: The combination of high repetition rates of a YAG laser with the brilliant spectra quality of a N2 laser.

• Resolution: achieve a spatial resolution of 10 µm
• Speed: acquire spectra with 200 Hz laser frequency
• Precision: xy-stage precision is 5 µm.

Technical Specifications

Preparative Tools

MTP Slide Adapter (#235380) for 2 glass slides 75x25x1 mm.
Glass slides for imaging MALDI imaging with conductive coating (#237001), 100 pcs.

Download MTP Slide Adapter II Geometry Installation.

Instrumentation

Bruker Daltonics FLEX series instrumentation with smartbeam™ laser technology.

• smartbeam provides a laser frequency up to 200 Hz with superior spectra quality and sensitivity.
• Adaptation of the spatial resolution of the MALDI images to the diagnostic requirement is achieved by an adjustable laser spot size between 10 and 200 microns, controlled by the software.
• Specific adaptation to the sample is achieved by allowing the use of a variety of matrices in the MALDI process: especially Intact Protein Analysis benefits from using the appropriate matrix.

Data acquisition and evaluation

Comprehensive, yet easy-to-use wizard driven software environment.

• Intuitive control over measurement and evaluation.
• Customizable definition of polygonal analysis area.
• Definition of multiple peak filters and mass range.
• Optional superimposing of the microscopic image.
• Easy and convenient transfer of mass spectra data for statistical evaluation in ClinProTools 2.0™.

flexImaging software works with flexControl and flexAnalysis (as part of Compass for flexSeries 1.1).

MALDI Molecular Imager™ is part of the CLINPROT solution package for mass spectrometry-based Biomarker Analysis.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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Further Readings