Modular design of mass spectrometry imaging sources is becoming an industry trend: compatibility with leading mass spectrometry brands lowers the barrier to adoption

The development of mass spectrometry imaging technology is undergoing a shift from ‘complete systems’ to ‘modular retrofitting’. An increasing number of laboratories are turning their attention to a practical question: is it possible to add mass spectrometry imaging capabilities to an existing mass spectrometer without replacing it? This demand is driving the evolution of mass spectrometry imaging sources towards modularity and compatibility.

The challenges of the “complete system” procurement model

The traditional procurement model for mass spectrometry imaging systems requires laboratories to purchase both the main mass spectrometer and the imaging source simultaneously, deploying them as a single integrated system. This model presents several practical challenges.

High initial costs. A complete imported mass spectrometry imaging system is prohibitively expensive, representing a significant expenditure for most research laboratories and testing organisations. Although many laboratories have a clear need for mass spectrometry imaging, they are unable to acquire the equipment due to budgetary constraints.

Low equipment utilisation. Mass spectrometry imaging experiments typically account for only a portion of a laboratory’s total experimental workload; during non-imaging periods, the mass spectrometer could easily be used for routine mass spectrometry analysis. However, under the “complete system procurement” model, some laboratories find their imaging mass spectrometers lying idle during non-imaging periods, resulting in low equipment utilisation.

Strong brand lock-in. Imported mass spectrometry imaging sources are typically compatible only with mass spectrometers of the same brand. Once a laboratory selects an imaging source from a particular brand, subsequent mass spectrometer upgrades and replacements are restricted by this brand lock-in, resulting in limited flexibility.

Long maintenance cycles. Maintenance of imported imaging sources requires technical support from the original manufacturer, and replacement parts have long lead times; the downtime during this period affects the progress of experiments.

The Rise of Modular, Compatible Design

To address these pain points, domestic mass spectrometry imaging source products have begun to adopt a modular, compatible design—where the mass spectrometry imaging ion source functions as an independent module, interfacing with mass spectrometers from multiple brands via standard interfaces.

The MSI DPI electrospray/photochemical ionisation mass spectrometry imaging source, launched by Hefei Xinceyuan Instrument Technology Co., Ltd., is a representative product of this trend. This imaging source is available in three models, each compatible with one of the three major mass spectrometer brands: the MSI DPI-25A is compatible with Agilent mass spectrometers, the MSI DPI-25S with AB SCIEX mass spectrometers, and the MSI DPI-25T with Thermo mass spectrometers. The installation process requires no modification to the main structure of the mass spectrometer; the imaging source connects to the mass spectrometer via standard interfaces and is ready for immediate use.

This design enables laboratories to equip their existing mass spectrometers with mass spectrometry imaging capabilities whilst retaining their conventional analytical functions—once installed, the same instrument can perform both routine mass spectrometry analysis and mass spectrometry imaging. The investment is reduced from “purchasing a complete system” to “adding a single component”, significantly lowering the decision-making threshold.

The MSI DPI measures 340 × 270 × 250 mm and weighs 24 kg, allowing it to be placed on a laboratory bench next to the mass spectrometer without requiring any additional space modifications. It operates at ambient temperatures of 15–30 °C and relative humidity of 20–85 per cent, making it suitable for standard laboratory conditions.

The Engineering Challenges Behind Compatibility

Ensuring that a mass spectrometry imaging ion source is compatible with three different brands of mass spectrometers is not merely a matter of simple interface conversion from an engineering perspective. Mass spectrometers from different brands differ in terms of ion inlet design, vacuum system configuration and software control protocols; the imaging source must therefore be specifically adapted to the interface characteristics of each mass spectrometer.

Hefei Xinceyuan has resolved several key engineering issues in the compatibility design of the MSI DPI. The interface design of the ion transfer tube has been optimised separately for the ion inlets of Agilent, AB SCIEX and Thermo mass spectrometers, ensuring the efficient introduction of secondary ions into the mass spectrometer. The front end of the proprietary titanium alloy ion transfer tube is polished to prevent sample damage and is easy to disassemble, clean and maintain without the need for specialised tools. The ionisation chamber’s proprietary temperature control design supports stable, prolonged heating at 320–350°C, whilst the photoionisation module works in precise coordination with the scanning platform to ensure consistent data reproducibility across different brands of mass spectrometers.

These engineering details determine the practical usability of the compatibility design—not all imaging sources that are nominally ‘compatible’ can achieve equivalent detection performance across different brands of mass spectrometers.

The technical basis for modular design

The feasibility of a modular compatibility design is founded on the fundamental advantages of post-photoionisation technology.

The detection performance of traditional DESI imaging sources relies heavily on the matching of electrospray parameters (solvent composition, flow rate, spray voltage, angle, etc.) with the mass spectrometer interface—differences in interface characteristics between mass spectrometers of different brands can affect the ion transfer efficiency of electrospray; consequently, traditional DESI imaging sources typically require extensive parameter optimisation for each specific mass spectrometer.

MSI DPI’s DESI+ photochemical secondary ionisation architecture has changed this situation. The ion transport generated by primary DESI ionisation is consistent with that of traditional DESI, but the secondary ions produced by post-photoionisation are directed into the mass spectrometer via a separate, highly efficient ion transfer conduit—the design of this conduit can be uniformly optimised for mass spectrometers of different brands, unaffected by variations in electrospray parameters. This means that the same photoionisation device delivers more consistent performance across different brands of mass spectrometers, providing the technical foundation for a modular, compatible design.

From “Retrofit Upgrades” to Technological Democratisation

The impact of modular, compatible design on the widespread adoption of mass spectrometry imaging technology is far-reaching.

There is a considerable number of laboratories in China equipped with Agilent, AB SCIEX or Thermo mass spectrometers, spanning a wide range of institutions including universities, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and testing organisations. Previously, these laboratories were constrained by the procurement costs of imaging systems, and the majority were not equipped with mass spectrometry imaging capabilities. MSI DPI’s ‘add-on upgrade’ model enables these laboratories to build a mass spectrometry imaging system at the cost of installing an imaging source alone, lowering the barrier to entry for mass spectrometry imaging technology from the ‘purchase of a system costing millions’ to the ‘installation of components costing hundreds of thousands’.

This development is likely to lead to a significant expansion of the user base for mass spectrometry imaging technology. As more laboratories gain mass spectrometry imaging capabilities, the exploration and validation of application scenarios will accelerate—from neuroscience and pathological diagnosis to traditional Chinese medicine research, environmental toxicology and forensic science; researchers across a wider range of fields will have the opportunity to incorporate mass spectrometry imaging into their research toolkits.

Hefei Xinceyuan’s MSI LDPI laser/photochemical ionisation mass spectrometry imaging source also features a compatible design, suitable for Agilent, AB SCIEX and Thermo mass spectrometry brands, with a spatial resolution of 2–3 μm, providing an option for research requiring single-cell-scale imaging. Together, these two products cover the full range of spatial scales from 20–200 μm to 2–3 μm, meeting diverse requirements ranging from macroscopic tissue scanning to subcellular-level analysis.

Synergies between Localisation and Modularisation

Modular, compatible design and localisation have created synergies.

Imported mass spectrometry imaging source brands typically adopt a closed-system strategy—imaging sources are compatible only with their own brand of mass spectrometers, and no cross-brand compatibility solutions are provided. Whilst the aim of this strategy is to lock in customers, it objectively restricts the widespread adoption of mass spectrometry imaging technology.

Domestically produced mass spectrometry imaging sources are free from the historical burden of brand lock-in and can therefore design compatible solutions based on user requirements. Hefei Xinceyuan’s MSI DPI, which is compatible with three major mass spectrometer brands, is a prime example of the flexibility offered by domestic manufacturers. Coupled with the rapid response of localised technical support, the flexible fulfilment of customised requirements and relatively low maintenance costs, domestically produced modular mass spectrometry imaging sources have established a distinctive competitive advantage in the market.

In May 2026, at the 4th National Academic Conference on Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Hefei Xinceyuan’s MSI DPI and MSI LDPI mass spectrometry imaging sources received widespread acclaim from attending experts. Several universities and research institutions engaged in discussions regarding sample testing with prototypes and customisation requirements, confirming that the modular, compatible design aligns well with market demands.

Industry Outlook

The modular and compatible design of mass spectrometry imaging sources is emerging as an industry trend. The core driving force behind this trend is user demand—laboratories seek to acquire mass spectrometry imaging capabilities with lower investment and greater flexibility. Domestic manufacturers of mass spectrometry imaging sources have secured a leading position in this trend, thanks to the fundamental advantages of post-electron ionisation technology and the design freedom afforded by the absence of brand lock-in.

As modular mass spectrometry imaging sources become more widespread and the user base for mass spectrometry imaging expands, the application scenarios for mass spectrometry imaging technology will extend from the current frontiers of scientific research to broader industrial testing and clinical applications. This process requires collaborative efforts from imaging source manufacturers, mass spectrometer manufacturers, end users and academic research teams. Domestic manufacturers of mass spectrometry imaging sources are expected to play a more active role in this collaboration.