iMScope QT – Next-Generation Imaging Mass Spectrometry for Molecular Visualization

The Shimadzu iMScope QT is a groundbreaking Imaging Mass Microscope that combines the power of high-resolution optical microscopy with Q-TOF mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) in a single platform. Designed for researchers who need both molecular and morphological information, the iMScope QT enables visualization, identification, and spatial mapping of compounds directly within biological tissues and complex materials. This unique fusion of microscopy and mass spectrometry creates new opportunities for life science research, pharmaceutical development, biomarker discovery, and clinical investigations. 

As Shimadzu’s flagship imaging mass spectrometry system, the iMScope QT delivering exceptional speed, sensitivity, spatial resolution, and mass accuracy while enabling direct comparison between optical images and molecular distributions. Researchers can observe tissue morphology under the microscope and immediately correlate these images with the spatial distribution of specific molecules detected by mass spectrometry. 

The iMScope QT offers three major advantages:

• Combined Analysis – Fusion of optical microscope images with mass spectrometry imaging data.
• Quantification and Distribution – Combines qualitative and quantitative LC-MS information with molecular localization.
• High Resolution, Speed and Accuracy – Enables acquisition of accurate, high-resolution molecular images with efficient data processing.

The system utilizes a MALDI or LDI ionization source, a high-performance Q-TOF mass spectrometer, and a laser capable of up to 20 kHz repetition frequency with minimum spot sizes of 5 µm. This enables exceptionally detailed molecular imaging while significantly reducing acquisition times. 

The iMScope QT integrates seamlessly with Shimadzu's mass spectrometry imaging workflow, including:

• iMLayer™ matrix deposition systems
• iMLayer AERO automated matrix spraying
• IMAGEREVEAL MS imaging analysis software
• LCMS Q-TOF systems such as LCMS-9030 and LCMS-9050 
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Applications span a broad range of scientific disciplines, including:

• Cancer research
• Biomarker discovery
• Drug distribution and pharmacokinetics
• Brain and neuroscience research
• Lipidomics and metabolomics
• Clinical research
• Tissue imaging
• Molecular pathology
• Pharmaceutical development
• Spatial omics research 
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The iMScope QT also supports advanced multimodal imaging workflows by combining molecular imaging with elemental imaging and other analytical techniques, enabling researchers to gain deeper biological insights while maintaining exceptional data quality. 

By uniting microscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, quantitative analysis, and advanced imaging software into a single platform, the iMScope QT provides researchers with a powerful tool for visualizing the molecular world and accelerating scientific discovery.

Inheriting the concept of a mass spectrometer equipped with an optical microscope from the iMScope series, the iMScope QT is also Shimadzu's flagship model for MS imaging with a LCMS-Q-TOF.

The iMScope QT boasts not only fusion with morphology studies but also excellent speed, sensitivity, and spatial resolution, clearing the way to next-generation mass spectrometry imaging.

This instrument may not be available in some other countries. Please contact your local Shimadzu representative for availability.