SHIMADZU BIOTECH ANNOUCES THE LAUNCH OF AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION FOR TISSUE IMAGING

At ASMS 2007, Shimadzu Biotech announced the launch of an integrated solution to facilitate tissue imaging and profiling using the power of the CHIP-1000 chemical inkjet printer and the high performance of the AXIMA™ range of MALDI mass spectrometers. The CHIP-1000 prints isolated islands of a MALDI matrix of choice onto tissue sections. The prepared tissue sections are then processed in the AXIMA instruments to generate high-quality mass spectrometric tissue imaging or profiling information. The whole process is defined and controlled by seamless software tools, to allow researchers to easily produce reproducible, high-sensitivity results.

Dr. Emmanuel Raptakis, Product Manager of the MALDI products at Shimadzu Biotech, said: “Consistent and reproducible sample preparation is crucial in generating credible results in tissue imaging mass spectrometric experiments. Additionally, printing matrix islands on tissue using the CHIP-1000 has been proven to offer excellent sensitivity and good spatial resolution, making high-quality tissue imaging workflows accessible to every lab.”

The workflow is supported by specially developed sample plates and purpose-designed software to ensure a quick and easy experimental setup and confident results. A unique feature of the software supporting this workflow allows the roaming of the sample under the laser beam so that each matrix island is thoroughly surveyed and maximum sensitivity is ensured. Experimental results can be processed and visualized by the Shimadzu Biotech MALDI MS™ software for the AXIMA line of mass spectrometers. The data can also be exported and reviewed by third-party software, including automatic export to the popular BioMAP processing package.

CHIP-1000  - Micro-scale reagent delivery
The CHIP-1000 is a unique device employing state-of-the-art chemical ink jet printing technology for delivering reagents on a micro-scale.

Using piezo-electric technology, each droplet volume is less than 100pL. MALDI matrix is precisely delivered to specific surface locations via a non-contact spotting method, minimizing the possibility of contamination. Matrix can be automatically and reproducibly deposited directly onto a tissue surface in pre-selected regions. Large matrix arrays can be generated to cover the entire surfaces of tissue sections (imaging) or smaller arrays can be used to study the differences between a number of different areas within the tissue (profiling). The system incorporates a camera and an on-board scanner. The camera is employed to optimize and monitor droplet formation, while the visible light scanner is used to identify target areas on the tissue surface for reagent delivery, aid visualization of the deposited arrays and create a target map for printing.

The CHIP-1000 also has image import functionality. This enables tissue slide images to be imported from other scanning devices and overlaid onto the MALDI plate tissue image. The CHIP facilitates the simple transfer of spotted sample locations to the AXIMA MALDI mass spectrometer for mass spectral data acquisition.

AXIMA™ State-of-the-art MALDI TOF and TOF/TOF Mass Spectrometers
All AXIMA systems can be seamlessly integrated into a tissue imaging/biomarker discovery workflow. Using unique CHIP-1000 Imaging Experiment software, each print array can be seamlessly configured for acquisition. A simple stage alignment procedure and highly accurate stage motors ensure that the laser fires precisely on each of the deposited matrix spots – crucial, considering each matrix spot can be <200 um in diameter. Our advanced laser technology ensures averaged intensities across each print position by roaming within a set print position.

A variety of different sample targets and adaptors can be used, including microscope format MALDI targets suitable for clinical applications. Plate files and methods for data acquisition are automatically generated using the information provided by the CHIP-1000 and spectra can be generated over a mass range of interest.

Peptides, proteins or small molecules, for example, drugs and their metabolites, can be analyzed directly from the tissue surface, allowing the user to determine the distribution of the target compound within the sample.

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About Shimadzu Biotech

Shimadzu Biotech is a strategic global brand of Shimadzu Corporation. Shimadzu Biotech is focused on providing integrated solutions for life science and drug development to accelerate the progress of biotechnology in research and development. Shimadzu Biotech represents a new way of thinking in the health and life science sectors by combining a core competence in instrument design and manufacture together with strategic partnerships to advance the development of knowledge in biotechnology. Product offerings include mass spectrometry integrated with enabling technology for high throughput analysis (MALDI, LC/MS, automated systems for analyzing gels with mass spectrometry) and specific solutions for DNA analysis (ranging from UV spectroscopy to chip-based electrophoresis) among a range of other offerings.

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Shimadzu Biotech