Waters Expands Capabilities of the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer With DESI XS Ion Source
Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) has announced a major enhancement to its Xevo™ MRT Mass Spectrometer with the integration of the DESI XS Ion Source, unlocking powerful new capabilities in high resolution, single cell imaging at speed.
This advance brings ambient ionization imaging to Waters’ highest-performing benchtop mass spectrometer, enabling researchers to visualize the spatial distribution of molecules directly from sample surfaces—rapidly, accurately, and with minimal sample preparation.
The innovation will enable researchers to perform direct, label-free molecular imaging and acquire data at up to 100,000 full width at half maximum (FWHM), resolution up to 100 Hz scan speed, with up to 500 parts per billion (ppb) mass accuracy. The system solution enables the acquisition of high-mass resolution and fine spatial resolution images with at least twice the sensitivity in MS mode, up to five times greater sensitivity in semi-targeted analysis modes, and approximately 2.7 times faster performance, compared to single image acquisition on the Xevo G3 QTof Mass Spectrometer. The compact design of the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer will allow laboratories to access high-performance imaging capabilities without requiring additional bench space.
High spatial and high mass resolution imaging mass spectrometry opens new possibilities by providing advanced visualization and analysis of the spatial distribution of molecules within complex samples. This technique can provide both qualitative and quantitative insights, precisely locating specific compounds—such as drugs, metabolites, or lipids— in tissues or other matrices. For pharmaceutical and biomedical research, this means scientists can track how drugs are absorbed, distributed, and metabolized in biological environments, supporting studies in drug development, pathology, and biomarker discovery. Other important application areas include forensic science, food and agricultural surfaces, and chemical material direct analysis.
This expanded capability empowers scientists to make faster, more confident decisions by combining high mass resolution and high spatial resolution with reliable mass accuracy and speed. Whether investigating pathology, discovering biomarkers, or accelerating drug development, the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer coupled with DESI XS Ion Source delivers the precision, flexibility and streamlined workflow needed to tackle complex scientific questions with greater efficiency and clarity.
Existing Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer customers can purchase the DESI XS Ion Source and MS Imaging software as an add-on, and new customers can purchase the DESI XS Ion Source bundle with the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer.
