MALDI Imaging

Multiomics spatial biology imaging

See clarity in the tissue microenvironment.
Drive research innovation.
Find actionable information.

Multiomics Molecular Insight

A single MALDI Imaging measurement produces up to several thousands of distribution maps, or ion images, to reveal greater insight and understanding of molecular makeup and regional heterogeneity.

With this multiomics solution, go beyond RNA and protein expression, to spatially co-localize selected proteins with metabolites, lipids, and N-glycans, within the tissue microarchitecture.

Integrate multiple data layers with microscopy or histology data for versatile analysis.

Molecular Imaging Defined

Whether your research is focused on plant metabolomics, biochemistry of cellular processes, biomarkers relevant to disease-related research, or microbial interactions, molecular imaging can deliver new insights into your work. Key to this is the ability to integrate MALDI Imaging with other modalities you may already be using, such as fluorescence microscopy or histology.

Advance disease-related research through spatial characterization of a variety of molecular classes, providing insights that complement other imaging approaches.

Support pre-clinical drug discovery research through visualization and spatial characterization of molecular distributions, including drug candidates and their metabolites.

MALDI Imaging Technologies

Using MALDI to spatially measure molecular signatures
Images are generated by collecting MALDI data in a grid pattern on the sample surface. The user-defined size of the virtual grid establishes image resolution.

Using the scanning smartbeam 3D laser, true pixels ensure no oversampling and complete tissue coverage. Each resulting mass spectrum is a molecular signature of that sampled area. The distribution of each detected ion in the sampled area can be visualized.

Ease of preparation and analysis
Fresh frozen or FFPE tissue are sectioned and mounted on IntelliSlides®, then spray coated with matrix. Data acquisition with the automated SCiLS™ autopilot workflow gives a simple and reproducible setup of MALDI Imaging measurements. 

The automated workflow is available for the timsTOF series, rapifleX®, and neoflex™.

Highest Molecular Specificity

Untargeted and targeted studies of smaller molecules demand high analytical performance for separating isobars and/or near-isobars. Bruker’s MRMS and timsTOF fleX systems meet the challenge by offering the highest molecular specificity available.

 

For targeted and untargeted imaging studies, Bruker’s solariX and scimaX® Magnetic Resonance Mass Spectrometers (MRMS) offer eXtreme mass resolution. At imaging speeds, achieve > 290,000 mass resolution at m/z 400 capable of differentiating and mapping compounds that differ by only a few mDa.

 

Customized MRMS –  world’s most advanced mass spectrometers.
Differentiate yourself with customized advanced mass spectrometry: Bruker matches world class technologies in flexible customized instrumentation for your ultimate scientific and research needs.

SCiLS™ Lab: Turn data into knowledge

Use our industry-leading software for analysis and visualization of MALDI Imaging data. 

Advanced data processing and analysis includes machine learning algorithms, unsupervised spatial segmentation, classification models, and additional statistical analyses. 

An easy-to-use platform for sharing and viewing targeted mass lists is possible with SCiLS™ Scope. Easy image review that is ideal for sharing images across collaborators or users.

FAQ

What makes MALDI Imaging unique compared to other imaging technologies?

MALDI Imaging enables spatial molecular analysis directly from tissue sections without the need for antibodies, fluorescent labels, or other molecular tags. A single experiment can generate information on thousands of molecules simultaneously while preserving their spatial distribution within the sample.

Which molecular classes can be analyzed with MALDI Imaging?

MALDI Imaging supports the analysis of a wide range of molecular species, including metabolites, lipids, drugs, peptides, and proteins. This versatility makes it suitable for applications ranging from basic research to translational and pharmaceutical studies.

Can MALDI Imaging be combined with histology and microscopy?

Yes. MALDI Imaging data can be seamlessly integrated with histological and microscopic images, enabling researchers to correlate molecular information with tissue morphology and specific anatomical structures.

How quickly can MALDI Imaging datasets be acquired?

Bruker’s imaging platforms are designed for high-throughput data acquisition, enabling large tissue areas to be analyzed at high spatial resolution (5 µm pitch, without oversampling). Systems such as the timsTOF fleX, rapifleX® or neofleX™ were specifically developed to combine imaging speed with analytical performance.

How does MALDI Imaging support biomarker discovery?

Because MALDI Imaging is an untargeted and label-free technology, researchers can investigate the spatial distribution of thousands of molecules in a single experiment. This makes it a powerful tool for discovering novel biomarkers and studying disease-related molecular changes directly within tissue.

Why is MALDI Imaging particularly valuable for spatial multiomics?

Platforms such as the timsTOF fleX allow researchers to add a spatial dimension to established omics workflows. This enables direct correlation of proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics data with tissue architecture, providing deeper biological insight. SCiLS Ion Image Mapper and REST API deliver the necessary software to combine/overlay multiomics or even multimodal datasets. 

Why choose Bruker for MALDI Imaging?

Bruker is one of the few providers offering a complete MALDI Imaging ecosystem from a single source. Our portfolio includes sample preparation solutions, validated consumables, market-leading MALDI Imaging instrumentation, automated workflow software, and advanced data analysis tools. All components are designed to work together seamlessly, eliminating the need for multiple third-party solutions. With proven workflows, dedicated application expertise, and comprehensive hardware and software support, Bruker helps researchers establish robust, reproducible MALDI Imaging workflows and accelerate scientific discovery. 

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For Research Use Only. Not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures.