The Analytical Scientist - 07.2019

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BODY OF EVIDENCE
Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute scientists explain how the power
of advanced imaging is delivering a wealth of new data for biomedical researchers.
Eye on the future
MS imaging (MSI) allows us to analyze the spatial
distribution of molecules in biological tissues. Produced
by metabolomic MSI, this striking view of a mouse
eye was measured with the rapifleX matrix-assisted
laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) Tissuetyper
from Bruker at a spatial resolution of 15 μm. The iris
and pupil are visible on the left of the image, and the
different retinal layers are can be seen in the bottom
right. Credit: Saleh Khalil
uMALDI on the brain
In this MALDI-TOF image of a rat brain section,
the distribution of three different lipids displays its
fine structural details. The section was imaged using a
Synapt G2-Si coupled to an innovative new source called
uMALDI, which allows a lateral spatial resolution down
to 15 μm. Using new WREnS software from Waters,
the image was captured in continuous raster mode at a
speed of 20 pixels per second (2). Credit: Florian Barré
Tailoring treatment
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is an aggressive disease – one
third of patients are either resistant to initial therapy or relapse
after treatment. With MALDI-MSI, we can differentiate
between untreated and relapsed tumors via their lipid and
metabolic profile, and reveal specific molecular signatures
associated with intratumor heterogeneity. Here, you can see
the heterogeneity within a treated tumor, showing both viable
(left) and necrotic (right) tissue. The image was produced
using an Orbitrap Elite hybrid ion trap mass spectrometer, at
30 μm spatial resolution (3).Credit: Florian Barré and Britt Claes