SIMS-MSI Service

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging is one of the earliest mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) methods with high resolution. Creative Biostructure offers a fully customizable SIMS-MSI analysis service, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and experienced professionals in mass spectrometry imaging.

Why Conduct SIMS-MSI?

SIMS is a powerful surface analysis technique that works on the principle of irradiating high-energy primary ions (such as Cs+ or O-) onto the surface of the sample to be tested, thereby exciting atoms or molecules on the surface of the sample to form secondary ions. These secondary ions are then introduced into the mass analyzer, separated and detected according to their mass-to-charge ratio. Therefore, SIMS can simultaneously provide information on chemical composition and the spatial distribution of these components on the sample surface. This technology has very high spatial resolution and sensitivity, making it an important research tool in many fields such as materials science, life science, and environmental science.

Key Advantages of SIMS-MSI

1. High Spatial Resolution: SIMS can achieve extremely high spatial resolution, usually up to 50 to 100 nanometers, and can accurately image the chemical composition of the sample surface at the microscopic or even nanoscale, which is crucial for studying the fine structure of materials, interface properties, and the distribution of biomolecules in cells.
2. Wide Applicability: SIMS is applicable to various types of samples from inorganic materials to organic compounds. Whether it is metals, semiconductors or complex organics such as polymers, SIMS can provide detailed chemical composition information. In addition, with the application of soft ionization techniques such as C60+ cluster ion beams, SIMS can now handle fragile biomacromolecules more effectively.
3. High Sensitivity and Quantitative Analysis: SIMS can not only detect the presence of trace elements, but also accurately quantify them. This is particularly important in the fields of environmental monitoring and food analysis, where the accurate determination of trace pollutants or nutrients is key.
4. Compatible with Other Technologies: SIMS is easy to integrate with other advanced analytical methods, such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), which can increase data acquisition speed; and combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), it enhances the structural analysis capabilities of complex compounds. This combination makes SIMS a versatile and flexible research tool.

Figure 1. The ionization principle for SIMS-MSI. (Hou Y, et al., 2023)

Our SIMS-MSI Service Procedure

We provide high-quality SIMS-MSI services, specifically for high-resolution analysis of target molecules such as small molecules, peptides and proteins. Using advanced SIMS technology, we achieve nanoscale spatial resolution and precise three-dimensional imaging, providing detailed and reliable chemical composition distribution information.

1. Initial Consultation and Project Scope Definition: Collaborating closely with clients, we establish the parameters for analysis, taking into account the necessary spatial detail, sensitivity levels, and objectives for data interpretation.
2. Sample Delivery and Storage: To ensure sample integrity, we require samples to be stored at -80°C and delivered on dry ice.
3. Sample Preparation: Our specialists meticulously prepare tissue sections and other types of samples, employing careful handling and pre-treatment methods to enhance their suitability for SIMS-MSI analysis. This rigorous preparation is critical for achieving accurate and high-resolution imaging results.
4. MSI Experiment: In the SIMS-MSI process, the sample surface is exposed to a primary ion beam, such as Ga+ or Cs+, which ejects secondary ions rich in molecular information. This crucial step is fundamental for acquiring in-depth chemical and spatial data from the sample surface.
5. Data Collection: The generated secondary ions are then collected and analyzed, enabling the creation of a molecular distribution image. This image provides a visual representation of the spatial localization of various molecules within the sample.
6. In-depth Data Analysis: By scanning across different sample regions, we construct comprehensive 2D or 3D molecular maps, offering clients a complete view of the sample's molecular landscape. This analysis can reveal complex patterns and distributions crucial for advanced research.
7. Results Summary and Reporting: We offer clients an exhaustive project report, encompassing high-resolution images, quantitative data, and raw data files. This thorough summary is intended to bolster ongoing research initiatives and to catalyze insights driven by the data collected.

Figure 2. Our SIMS-MSI service workflow. (Creative Biostructure)

Why Choose Creative Biostructure?

• Nanoscale Spatial Resolution: Our SIMS-MSI service delivers sharp spatial resolution for accurate molecular localization, essential for in-depth nanoscale structural and molecular distribution analysis, thus improving research precision.
• 3D Imaging Capability: Our 3D imaging delves into the sample's interior, offering a complete view of molecular patterns at and beneath the surface. This is key for projects needing thorough spatial mapping.
• Advanced Soft Ionization Technology: Employing state-of-the-art soft ionization, we minimize sample damage and enhance sensitivity, enabling precise analysis of delicate materials. This method maintains sample integrity, ideal for complex biological and organic samples.
• Professional Team Support: Our seasoned team provides ongoing support from consultation to data interpretation, delivering tailored data and solutions tailored to each project's unique requirements, ensuring clients gain essential insights for significant research outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of molecules can be analyzed with your SIMS-MSI service?

  Our SIMS-MSI service can perform high-precision analysis of target molecules such as small molecules, peptides and proteins, and is suitable for a variety of research needs.

• What fields can it be applied in?

  Our SIMS-MSI services are widely used in materials science, life science, drug development, environmental science and other fields.

• Do you offer data interpretation?

  Absolutely. Our team provides detailed analysis and interpretive support, delivering insights tailored to each project's goals to support your research with actionable data.

At Creative Biostructure, we pride ourselves on our expertise in providing superior SIMS-MSI services. We tailor our services to meet the wide-ranging demands of our clients. If you find our services appealing, we invite you to contact us for a detailed discussion and a thorough cost analysis.

Ordering Process

References

1. Hou Y, Gao Y, Guo S, et al. Applications of spatially resolved omics in the field of endocrine tumors. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023. 13: 993081.
2. Kajimura M, Nakanishi T, Takenouchi T, et al. Gas biology: tiny molecules controlling metabolic systems. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology. 2012. 184(2): 139-148.
3. Chen K, Baluya D, Tosun M, et al. Imaging mass spectrometry: a new tool to assess molecular underpinnings of neurodegeneration. Metabolites. 2019. 9(7): 135.