Accelerated localisation of high-end analytical instruments: Core components of mass spectrometry imagers now under domestic control

The localisation of high-end analytical instruments is entering a phase of accelerated growth. In recent years, the domestic mass spectrometry sector has achieved successive breakthroughs in both core components and complete instruments; from mass analysers to ion sources, and from detectors to power supply modules, the capacity for independent control over key components has continued to improve. As mass spectrometry imaging represents a cutting-edge application of mass spectrometry technology, the localisation process of its core component—the mass spectrometry imaging ion source—is attracting particular attention.

The landscape of core components for mass spectrometry imagers

A mass spectrometry imager comprises two main components: the mass spectrometer main unit and the mass spectrometry imaging source. The mass spectrometer main unit is responsible for the mass analysis and detection of ions, whilst the mass spectrometry imaging source is responsible for the point-by-point desorption and ionisation of molecules from the sample surface; together, they work in concert to achieve spatial molecular imaging.

For a long time, the market for mass spectrometry imaging ion sources has been dominated by a handful of imported brands. Both mainstream DESI and MALDI imaging sources rely on imports; they are expensive and suffer from fundamental technical limitations such as polarity discrimination and matrix interference. For domestic laboratories to establish mass spectrometry imaging capabilities, they typically need to procure imported imaging sources and adapt them to imported mass spectrometers, resulting in high overall investment, lengthy maintenance cycles and slow technical support response times.

This landscape is now being transformed. In 2026, Hefei Xinceyuan Instrument Technology Co., Ltd. launched two products: the MSI DPI electrospray/photochemical ionisation mass spectrometry imaging source and the MSI LDPI laser/photochemical ionisation mass spectrometry imaging source. With everything from the core design to the key components developed in-house, these represent a significant advancement in the field of domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging ion sources.

The technological pathway for domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging sources

The technical approach of imported mass spectrometry imaging ion sources is predominantly based on single-ionisation methods—DESI imaging sources rely on electrospray ionisation, whilst MALDI imaging sources rely on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation. The ionisation efficiency of single-ionisation methods is less than one thousandth; over 99.9 per cent of the analytes escape in the form of neutral molecules and cannot be detected by the mass spectrometer.

Domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging sources have adopted a different technical approach—post-photoionisation. This approach was developed by Professor Pan Yang’s research group at the University of Science and Technology of China. It involves adding a vacuum ultraviolet photochemical ionisation device following conventional desorption and ionisation to subject neutral molecules to secondary ionisation, thereby recovering them as detectable ions.

Hefei Xinceyuan’s MSI DPI mass spectrometry imaging source has commercialised this technology: after DESI spray desorption of molecules, the photochemical secondary ionisation unit performs secondary ionisation on neutral molecules, increasing the overall metabolite signal intensity by 1–3 orders of magnitude. Non-polar molecules (such as cholesterol and triglycerides) have been rendered ‘visible’ rather than ‘invisible’ as with traditional DESI, thereby eliminating polarity bias. This product is compatible with the three major mass spectrometry brands—Agilent, AB SCIEX and Thermo—and laboratories already equipped with mass spectrometers can simply retrofit the imaging source to construct a mass spectrometry imaging system.

Another MSI LDPI laser/photochemical ionisation mass spectrometry imaging source utilises a transmission-type laser desorption combined with post-ionisation architecture, achieving a spatial resolution of 2–3 μm—a globally pioneering patented technology. In imaging of mouse hippocampal tissue, the structures of hippocampal subregions were clearly distinguishable; the relevant findings were published as a cover article in *Analytical Chemistry*.

An independently controlled technology chain

The independence and controllability of domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging ion sources are reflected not only in the ionisation principles but also in the complete technology chain.

Hefei Xince has established its own R&D team covering multiple fields, including mass spectrometry principles, opto-mechatronics, software and vacuum technology, and has mastered the full-chain R&D and production capabilities from core components to complete products. Taking the MSI DPI as an example, its proprietary titanium alloy ion transfer tube features a front-end finish that prevents sample damage and allows for easy disassembly, cleaning and maintenance; the ionisation chamber’s dedicated temperature control design supports prolonged, stable heating at 320–350 °C, ensuring data reproducibility.

Compared with imported products, domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging sources offer significant advantages in terms of technical support response times, customisation capabilities and maintenance costs. Hefei Xinceyuan can provide customisation services for non-standard mass spectrometry systems and core components according to customer requirements—a level of flexibility that is difficult to achieve with imported brands.

Market Impact of Localisation

The localisation of mass spectrometry imaging ion sources is generating market effects on two levels.

At the technical level, domestic products have surpassed imported ones in terms of performance. The signal intensity of the MSI DPI is 1–4 orders of magnitude higher than that of traditional DESI imaging sources; the cholesterol signal in mouse brain sections is 205 times stronger, whilst the caffeine signal in tea leaf imprints is 61 times stronger—figures that cannot be achieved with imported DESI imaging sources. The 2–3 μm spatial resolution of the MSI LDPI also outperforms most imported MALDI imaging sources, and as it does not require matrix spraying, it avoids matrix background interference.

From a market perspective, the compatibility design of domestically produced products has lowered the barrier to entry for establishing mass spectrometry imaging capabilities. There is a considerable number of laboratories in China equipped with Agilent, AB SCIEX or Thermo mass spectrometers; previously constrained by the procurement costs of imaging systems, the majority of these laboratories were not equipped with mass spectrometry imaging capabilities. The MSI DPI’s “add-on upgrade” model enables these laboratories to obtain the full functionality of a mass spectrometry imager at the cost of installing the imaging source alone, which is expected to significantly expand the application coverage of mass spectrometry imaging technology in China.

A technology transfer model based on industry-academia-research collaboration

The development of domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging ion sources has benefited from a technology transfer model based on collaboration between industry, academia and research institutions. The academic achievements of Professor Pan Yang’s research group in post-photoionisation mass spectrometry imaging technology—ranging from the publication of the DESI/PI method in *Analytical Chemistry* in 2019 to the publication of the t-AP-LDI/PI method as a cover article in 2024—have provided solid proof of concept for commercialisation. Hefei Xinceyuan, meanwhile, undertook the task of transforming the technology from the laboratory into an engineered product, resolving engineering challenges such as the miniaturisation of the photoionisation device, the engineering optimisation of ion transfer lines, and compatibility with multi-brand mass spectrometers.

Professor Pan Yang also serves as Chief Scientist at Hefei Xinceyuan; this direct “laboratory–enterprise” collaboration model has shortened the technology transfer cycle whilst ensuring that the product’s technical roadmap remains aligned with the cutting edge of academic research.

In May 2026, at the 4th National Academic Conference on Mass Spectrometry Analysis, two mass spectrometry imaging source products exhibited by Hefei Xinceyuan received widespread acclaim from attending experts. Researchers from various universities and the Chinese Academy of Sciences expressed keen interest in the products’ technical performance and application potential; following the exhibition, several institutions engaged with the company regarding sample testing using prototypes and customisation requirements.

Industry Outlook

The localisation of mass spectrometry imaging ion sources is a microcosm of the process towards self-reliance and control in high-end analytical instrumentation. As domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging sources match or exceed the technical performance of imported products, whilst offering competitive advantages in terms of price and service, the market share of imported products in the domestic market is expected to decline gradually.

The more far-reaching impact lies in the fact that the widespread adoption of domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging ion sources will drive the expansion of mass spectrometry imaging instruments from a handful of top-tier laboratories to a broader range of scientific research and testing institutions, thereby accelerating the practical application of mass spectrometry imaging technology in fields such as pathological diagnosis, drug R&D, traditional Chinese medicine research, environmental toxicology and forensic science.

Hefei Xinceyuan has stated that the company will continue to focus on the research, development and upgrading of mass spectrometry imaging and in-situ online mass spectrometry technologies, utilising independently controlled core technologies to support the high-quality development of the domestic mass spectrometry imaging instrument industry.