Sample preparation for MS
Mass spectrometry is a strong tool for the analysis of organic compounds, determining the molecular mass and chemical structure of the analyte probes. Identifying a protein in proteomic research, detecting genetic targets in genomics or determining pharmacokinetic parameters for drug discovery – the automation of sample preparation increases the throughput and improves the reproducibility for better results.
Identify genetic targets by MALDI
Automated deposition of small volumes onto your sample target removes the bottleneck of manual pipetting.
Standardize your workflow for consistent and reliable results with a BIOSPOT® automation platform. The calibration of the dispensing unit to a desired target volume forms a homogenous layer of small matrix crystals for the highest resolution of the mass spectra.
MALDI-qMSI
MALDI mass spectrometry imaging is a key technology to analyze the spatial distribution of biomarkers, metabolites, pharmaceuticals and other xenobiotics in tissue sections.
The creation of a reliable calibration curve is crucial in quantitative MSI experiments in order to enable a secure estimation of the analyte’s concentration. Place different concentrations of your standards via calibrated nanoliter droplets on the target area of a tissue section. The TOPVIEW Camera displays a live image and assists in the selection of target dispensing points for an automated and precise droplet deposition.
Relevant literature
We have applied a state-of-the-art, multi-modal imaging platform to assess the in vivo effects of pharmacological inhibition of MERTK in mice. This involved the application of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to characterize the ocular spatial distribution of our highly selective MERTK inhibitor; AZ14145845, together with histopathology and transmission electron microscopy to characterize pathological and ultra-structural change in response to MERTK inhibition.
Quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI qMSI) has become a very powerful tool to reveal the spatial distribution of biomolecules and xenobiotics in tissue sections. Especially in pharmaceutical research it is increasingly used for analysis of drug and metabolite distribution as well as in pharmacodynamic biomarker research and toxicology. In this application note we describe how a reliable disposal of standards is achieved by means of the BioSpot® nanoliter liquid handling workstation.
We are thankful to our colleagues at NUVISAN for sharing these data and the collaboration to establish automated solutions for the qMSI workflow!
Comprehensive determination of the extent of drug transport across the region-specific blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a major challenge in preclinical studies. Multiple approaches are needed to determine the regional free (unbound) drug concentration at which a drug engages with its therapeutic target. We present an approach that merges in vivo and in vitro neuropharmacokinetic investigations with mass spectrometry imaging to quantify and visualize both the extent of unbound drug BBB transport and the post-BBB cerebral distribution of drugs at regional and subregional levels.
Clinical tissue specimens are often unscreened, and preparation of tissue sections for analysis by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can cause aerosolization of particles potentially carrying an infectious load. We here present a decontamination approach based on ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light to inactivate clinically relevant pathogens such as herpesviridae, papovaviridae human immunodeficiency virus, or SARS-CoV-2, which may be present in human tissue samples while preserving the biodistributions of analytes within the tissue.