MALDI TOF mass spectrometers (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization/time-of-flight) are amongst the most popular mass spec instruments in biology. They combine two technologies, the “soft” MALDI ionization source and the TOF mass analyzer. The latter measures an ion’s mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) by measuring the time it takes to reach a detector. The former volatilizes and ionizes those molecules using a laser, a target, and an organic compound called a matrix. In MALDI, a sample (for instance, a collection of tryptic peptides) is mixed with matrix, spotted and dried (crystallized) on the surface of a metal target plate. Upon irradiation with laser light, the matrix absorbs the energy and converts it to heat, which then causes the sample to ionize and explode off the plate into the mass analyzer. MALDI TOF mass spectrometers come in two basic flavors, MALDI TOF MS and MALDI TOF/TOF MS; the latter enables tandem MS (MS/MS) studies.
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| Company | Shimadzu | Shimadzu | Shimadzu |
| Item | MALDImini-1 Compact MALDI Digital Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer | Benchtop MALDI Imaging Kit | iMScope QT Imaging Mass Microscope |
| Catalog Number | MALDImini-1 | Benchtop MALDI Imaging | iMScope QT |
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| Ionization Method(s) | MALDI ion source | Inquire | Atmospheric Pressure MALDI (AP-MALDI) |
| Mass Analyzer | Digital Ion Trap (DIT) | Inquire | Q-TOF |
| Scanning Speed | Inquire | FastMS feature - with the 200 Hz laser, fast sample slide introduction ( <3 min), and quick sample stage – provides
the speed to attain up to 15 pixels per second (lipid imaging acquisition (100 to 1200 m/z) at 50 µm spacing using an
the accumulation rate of 10 shots/profile). | Inquire |
| Description | Inquire | The Benchtop MALDI-TOF Imaging Kit is ideal for users starting out in the world of biomolecular imaging. Used in conjunction with the compact benchtop MALDI-TOF 8020/8030 systems, it provides a welcoming platform by combining the ease of MALDI analysis with extremely intuitive software in an all-The Benchtop MALDI-TOF Imaging Kit is ideal for users starting out in the world of biomolecular imaging. Used in conjunction with the compact benchtop MALDI-TOF 8020/8030 systems, it provides a welcoming platform by combining the ease of MALDI analysis with extremely intuitive software in an all-inclusive imaging kit. The system can serve as an ideal teaching tool to introduce users to MALDI imaging. In addition, it offers a low-cost entry point to users who would like to see what MALDI imaging can offer for their workflow.
The benchtop systems are equipped with a fast sample stage and quick-load technology, which enable a short time-to-analysis while delivering low associated overhead costs with a long-life fast laser (200 Hz), the longer-life AeonDetectorTM and self-cleaning ion optics based on the Shimadzu TrueCleanTM technology.
The Benchtop MALDI-TOF Imaging Kit is a value-added package to complement existing and new users of the MALDI-8020 or MALDI-8030, expanding the already versatile capabilities of these systems. The kit includes everything users need to begin imaging experiments on their MALDI-8020 or MALDI-8030 system, including:
- Custom ITO-coated glass slides
- New custom glass slide holder
- Metal slides for those who prefer a reusable slide option
- Mask to facilitate sample mounting and to shield regions of the glass slide during matrix deposition
- Carrier to aid optical scanning
The MALDI Solutions IonView software (included in the kit) provides an easy workflow for the routine processing of MALDI images such as snapshots, overlays, and displays of regions of interest and pixel spectra.... Read More | Inquire |
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