
Waters Innovates with DESI XS and Xevo MRT for Advanced MS Imaging
Waters Corporation has made a groundbreaking advancement by pairing its DESI XS ion source with the Xevo MRT high-resolution mass spectrometer. This integration, showcased during the International Mass Spectrometry Imaging Society (IMSIS) meeting at UC Davis, significantly enhances ambient mass spectrometry imaging capabilities. The merger provides laboratories with an easier and quicker method for molecular imaging, by facilitating label-free chemical analyses directly from sample surfaces with minimal preparatory work.
Revolutionizing Imaging with Minimal Preparation
What makes the DESI XS particularly remarkable is its ability to perform atmospheric-pressure imaging on surfaces like tissue sections and forensic samples, allowing researchers to collect data effortlessly. Waters’ specifications indicate that users can expect routine pixel sizes of about 20 µm, with the potential for sub-10 µm resolution under expert conditions. This capability is especially beneficial for applications like drug distribution analysis and lipid mapping, narrowing the gap between speed and resolution in scientific imaging.
Unmatched Performance Specifications of Xevo MRT
The enhancement of mass spectrometry imaging comes with impressive performance stats. The Xevo MRT maintains a resolution of 100,000 FWHM and can acquire data at rates as high as 100 Hz, boasting a mass accuracy below 1 part per million (ppm). These capabilities allow scientists to accurately distinguish near-isobaric species during typical imaging scans, underscoring the instrument's utility in complex analyses.
Hardware Improvements Amplifying Capabilities
Waters has made significant hardware upgrades to the DESI XS, which include a high-performance sprayer and a heated transfer line. These updates boost both sensitivity and user-friendliness, decreasing the hassle of long multi-hour imaging runs—a critically important aspect for high-throughput laboratories. The partially sealed housing further ensures increased environmental stability, allowing for consistent performance throughout extensive experiments.
Advancement in Software Capabilities
On the software front, Waters has bolstered its High-Definition Imaging (HDI) platform, allowing users to queue multiple DESI imaging experiments effectively. The addition of MSI-Segmentation MicroApps offers automated post-processing, which enhances data interpretation speed—a critical factor for laboratories eager to derive conclusions quickly.
The Implications for Future Research and Development
As pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists delve deeper into drug absorption and metabolism pathways, the capability to visualize and analyze the spatial distribution of molecules directly translates to significant advancements in drug development, pathology, and biomarker discovery. Other fields such as forensic analysis and agricultural sciences stand to gain tremendously from these powerful new imaging techniques. With the DESI XS and Xevo MRT technology, researchers will likely be able to make faster, more informed decisions that lead to effective scientific outcomes.
Conclusion: The Need for Faster, More Accurate Decisions in Science
The marriage of the DESI XS ion source and the Xevo MRT spectrometer represents a pivotal moment in mass spectrometry. Laboratories seeking faster and simpler molecular imaging methodologies can rely on this powerful combination. As scientists tackle complex research questions in various fields, the need for precision, speed, and reliability cannot be overstated.
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