Session: Session 3

Characterization of a new MALDI-TOF axial benchtop instrument for MALDI Imaging applications

Expanding analytical utility from discovery-based research to translational utility requires tools that can meet the challenge. We characterized a new benchtop MALDI axial TOF mass spectrometer, the neofleX Imaging Profiler (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany), for broad application use cases and showcase the analytical applicability to perform MALDI Imaging measurements in clinically relevant research areas. 



Biological tissue sections were mounted on IntelliSlides and prepared for MALDI Imaging acquisitions to map the distribution of lipids, peptides, targeted proteins, and glycans. The MALDI Imaging experiments were conducted on a neofleX Imaging Profiler in positive and negative ion mode at 20-30 µm pixel size. The instrument was equipped with a movable stage and an adjustable smartbeam 3D laser. New enhanced imaging detectors were installed which have stable gain even for many hours long imaging runs with high ion currents. The data was acquired with the FlexCompass 2025 package. Data visualization was performed with a SCiLS Lab 2024b or SCiLS Scope 1.



The neofleX Imaging Profiler showed excellent instrument performance for various MALDI Imaging use cases:

▪ Robust measurements over a total of 1 millon pixel.

▪ High speed acquisitions at 20 px/s.

▪ Complementation of spatial biology applications powered by MALDI HiPLEX-IHC.

▪ A complete software suite supporting automated workflows.