Bruker has introduced Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) molecular imaging system, based on the performance of the solariX FTMS for addressing molecular imaging of small molecules in tissue samples.
Bruker said that the new MALDI-solariX combines the analytical performance of the solariX FTMS with a highly sensitive MALDI source to provide a platform for high performance molecular imaging of small molecules (drug, metabolites, lipids) in tissue.
The new solariX MALDI source is based on a dual ion funnel design that includes the combination of MALDI and Electrospray ionization (ESI). The source is capable of immediate and effortless switching between the two ionization methods.
The solariX MALDI system incorporates smartbeam II laser which includes a solid state 1kHz laser with advanced optics for molecular imaging.
By combining molecular imaging with FTMS detection, researchers can utilise ultra-high mass resolving power to separate and analyse molecules of closely related masses in a truly multiplexed approach, observing all molecular species simultaneously. This provides selectivity without compromising sensitivity, said the company.
Additionally, high mass accuracy provides the requisite specificity for elucidating molecular species without the need for time consuming MS/MS. Complete, simultaneous, label-free mapping of drugs and metabolites in tissue can be conveyed from single MALDI imaging runs at therapeutic dosing levels.
David Wagner, section manager of the DMPK group at GlaxoSmithKline, said: “We are very excited to be adding this state-of-the-art capability to the analytical analysis portfolio of our group. This instrument will serve as the primary high-performance molecular imaging solution for GSK’s development efforts, and will provide unprecedented power for the spatial analysis of target metabolites.”