Lecture
Targeted DESI Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Drug Development
- at -
- ICM Saal 4b
- Type: Lecture
Lecture description
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has emerged as a key technology in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, enabling the spatial mapping of drugs and metabolites directly in tissue without the need for labels. While high-resolution instruments have dominated the field, the growing development of targeted MSI approaches using triplequadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometers is opening new opportunities for drug development. With their high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) capabilities, TQ platforms are ideally suited for quantitative imaging of compounds at trace levels.
This presentation will explore the development and implementation of targeted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI-MSI) on triplequadrupole platforms. Particular attention will be given to the importance of sprayer design and optimization, as robust and highly focused ionization combined with a high ion yield is essential for reliable imaging. Technical aspects and strategies for establishing reliable targeted DESI workflows will be discussed.
New results will be presented, obtained with the Waters Xevo TQ Absolute mass spectrometer in combination with the Waters DESI-XS ion source. This setup enables ultrasensitive targeted imaging and extends the applicability of DESI-MSI to clinically and pharmacologically relevant questions. Applications include:
• Antibiotic delivery to pancreatic necrosis (Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis, WOPN): imaging of clinical samples to evaluate penetration of antibiotics into necrotic tissue, supporting optimization of treatment strategies in severe pancreatitis.
• Triptan delivery for migraine therapy: visualization of drug penetration and distribution in rat brains, offering new insights into delivery efficacy.
• Systemic drug delivery in skin from in vivo dosing experiments: mapping the spatial distribution of systemically administered drugs within skin layers.
• Neuropharmacology of psilocybin and psilocin: distribution mapping of psilocin in mouse and rat brains after psilocybin administration. These studies demonstrate how targeted MSI can be applied to investigate receptor binding, including coadministration with highly specific receptor ligands, thereby enabling mechanistic insights into drug–receptor interactions in the brain
This presentation will explore the development and implementation of targeted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI-MSI) on triplequadrupole platforms. Particular attention will be given to the importance of sprayer design and optimization, as robust and highly focused ionization combined with a high ion yield is essential for reliable imaging. Technical aspects and strategies for establishing reliable targeted DESI workflows will be discussed.
New results will be presented, obtained with the Waters Xevo TQ Absolute mass spectrometer in combination with the Waters DESI-XS ion source. This setup enables ultrasensitive targeted imaging and extends the applicability of DESI-MSI to clinically and pharmacologically relevant questions. Applications include:
• Antibiotic delivery to pancreatic necrosis (Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis, WOPN): imaging of clinical samples to evaluate penetration of antibiotics into necrotic tissue, supporting optimization of treatment strategies in severe pancreatitis.
• Triptan delivery for migraine therapy: visualization of drug penetration and distribution in rat brains, offering new insights into delivery efficacy.
• Systemic drug delivery in skin from in vivo dosing experiments: mapping the spatial distribution of systemically administered drugs within skin layers.
• Neuropharmacology of psilocybin and psilocin: distribution mapping of psilocin in mouse and rat brains after psilocybin administration. These studies demonstrate how targeted MSI can be applied to investigate receptor binding, including coadministration with highly specific receptor ligands, thereby enabling mechanistic insights into drug–receptor interactions in the brain
