MALDI-Based Instruments and Solutions
MALDI-Based Instruments and Solutions
Shimadzu MALDI-Based Instruments and Solutions
MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight) Mass Spectrometry is an analytical technique that measures the mass of molecules from a sample that has been embedded in a matrix by using a laser to ablate and desorb the molecules with minimal fragmentation. It is widely used in identification and characterization of higher molecular weight compounds (e.g.: proteins, peptides and synthetic polymers). Additionally, it is also used to identify microbes and check for food fraud.
Shimadzu offers a vast portfolio of MALDI products, from the MALDImini-1 digital ion trap mass spectrometer and the MALDI-8020/30 benchtop linear MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer which deliver outstanding performance in a compact footprint, to the AXIMA series MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometers, which provide simple and accurate mass measurements.
Shimadzu’s MALDI-TOF and TOF/TOF instruments are an affordable and robust option for all laboratories requiring routine manual or automated analysis of a wide variety of sample classes.
MALDI‑Based Instruments & Solutions – Frequently Asked Questions
What is MALDI‑TOF mass spectrometry?
MALDI‑TOF (Matrix‑Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time‑of‑Flight) is a soft‑ionization mass spectrometry technique ideal for rapid analysis of biomolecules, polymers, microorganisms, lipids, tissue imaging, and large intact species.
Which MALDI instruments does Shimadzu offer?
Shimadzu’s portfolio includes compact benchtop MALDI‑8020 and MALDI‑8030 systems, high‑performance MALDI‑7090 TOF‑TOF platforms, MALDImini‑1 benchtop ion trap, and integrated imaging solutions using instruments such as iMScope QT.
MALDI‑8020 features a 200 Hz UV laser, TrueClean™ self‑cleaning ion source, and fast load‑lock sample introduction. [1](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/ProductNews/Distributor/Chromatography/MALDI/maldinews004.pdf?web=1)
What software is used to control MALDI instruments?
MALDI instruments are operated using MALDI Solutions, a multi‑user SQL‑backed platform offering acquisition, data processing, imaging, guided workflows, and full LC‑MALDI integration. [5](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/Materials/Subsidiary/FAQs_for_MALDI-7090.pdf?web=1)
What is LC‑MALDI and when is it used?
LC‑MALDI combines HPLC separations with automated MALDI plate spotting for peptide/protein analysis. It supports MS and MS/MS modes, database searching, and automated method development through guided workflows in MALDI Solutions. [5](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/Materials/Subsidiary/FAQs_for_MALDI-7090.pdf?web=1)
Does Shimadzu offer MALDI imaging capabilities?
Yes. Shimadzu provides full MALDI Imaging workflows using the iMScope QT and Imaging Starter Kits for MALDI‑8020/8030. These kits include ITO glass slides, slide holders, acquisition licenses, and IonView imaging software. [2](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/Literature/Distributor/General/c10ge050.pdf?web=1) [3](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/ProductNews/Distributor/Chromatography/MALDI/maldinews017.pdf?web=1)
What consumables and accessories are available?
Shimadzu offers FlexiMass‑DS disposable plates, FlexiMass‑SR metal plates, FlexiFocus multi‑well slide systems, calibration kits, and EasyCare accessory kits. These support consistent imaging, microbial ID, and advanced method development workflows. [6](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/ProductNews/Distributor/Chromatography/MALDI/maldinews020.pdf?web=1) [4](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/ProductNews/Distributor/Chromatography/MALDI/maldinews018.pdf?web=1)
How do I upgrade or enable MALDI imaging on my benchtop system?
Benchtop MALDI‑8020/8030 systems can be upgraded with dedicated imaging starter kits including acquisition licenses, IonView, ITO slides, slide holders, and PC upgrade kits where needed. [3](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/ProductNews/Distributor/Chromatography/MALDI/maldinews017.pdf?web=1)
What are the typical applications of MALDI technology?
MALDI is used for proteomics, polymer analysis, lipidomics, MSI (mass spectrometry imaging), microorganism screening, FFPE tissue analysis, metabolomics, and targeted MS/MS workflows. Entry‑level benchtop systems support routine analysis, teaching, and method development. [3](https://shimadzugroup.sharepoint.com/sites/gcs/an_sales/ProductNews/Distributor/Chromatography/MALDI/maldinews017.pdf?web=1)
Is microbial identification supported?
Microbial workflows may require specialized software (e.g. MicrobialTrack). Compatibility depends on instrument model and local regulatory requirements. For MALDI‑TOF in clinical use, IVDR compliance must be evaluated separately and may not be available for all configurations. [7](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/?ItemID=AAMkADE4NDA5ZDllLTcxYjktNDk3Yi05MjY2LWRkMmFiOWRiZGE5ZgBGAAAAAAAy1kBiztoyS7eKDzvKA6lFBwCEAF0lqnjlQ7WDdSwz1PkZAAAAAAEKAACEAF0lqnjlQ7WDdSwz1PkZAAWp6qU8AAA%3d&exvsurl=1&viewmodel=ReadMessageItem)