A Multi-Derivatization Strategy-Based Mass Spectrometry Imaging Technique for Clinical Spatial Metabolomics Studies

User Benefits

- The first iMScope QT based spatial metabolomics analytical method developed through the application of 3-trinitrophenyl hydrazine concurrent derivatization strategy - Concurrent targeted derivatization of carbonyl, carboxyl and phosphoryl containing metabolites in a wide coverage for analysis by high-sensitivity MS imaging with simple operating procedures

Introduction

Spatial metabolomics is mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technique based innovative omics study approach which, unlike conventional metabolomics that suffers from the shortcoming of insufficient information dimensions, significantly improves researchers’ knowledge of sample information by expanding omics information to spatial level. Through the implementation of in situ testing of tissue samples, MSI is suitable for semi-qualitative and analysis of metabolites of interest without impairing their spatial dimensions information, thereby analyzing sample region or acquiring the spatial distribution profiles of specific metabolites. MSI analysis generally involves the application of MALDI ion source for ionizing sample molecules. When used for the analysis of compounds with a small mass-to-charge ratio (usually m/z:<500), the MALDI ion source may encounter certain limitations. The MALDI matrix materials for their high UV absorption are generally susceptible to ionization that results in a great number of ion peaks in low molecular weight region. This may lead to a suppression effect on the analysis of small molecules, potentially making it challenging to distinguish the target peak from background peaks. Consequently, the sensitivity of analytes in MSI may be significantly affected. Given these challenges, the in vivo analysis of small molecular metabolites such as amino acids, organic acids, and phosphoric acid with high sensitivity may be particularly demanding in MALDI-MSI studies. We have developed an ultra-sensitive MSI analytical method and applied it in conjunction with the Shimadzu iMScope QT which integrates an optical microscope, MALDI ion source, and Q-TOF mass analyzer to analyze metabolites containing carbonyl, carboxyl, and phosphoryl groups through multi-derivatization with 3-trinitrophenyl hydrazine (3-NPH). This article serves as an introduction to this method.

September 15, 2025 GMT