Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to reagents and their use for elemental imaging mass spectrometry of biological samples. The embodiments comprising methods for quantifying one or more analytes within a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) providing the sample, wherein the one or more analytes are immobilized to a sample carrier, wherein the sample has been labelled with one or more mass tags comprising one or more labelling atoms, (b) performing mass cytometry on the sample to determine the level of the one or more labelling atoms, wherein the level of the one or more labelling atoms corresponds to the copy number of the one or more analytes.

Abstract: Described herein are reagents and methods for improving signal in imaging mass cytometry. Aspects include mass tags with a large number of labeling atoms, chemical modifications to mass tags and additional reagents to reduce background and/or maintain target binding of mass tagged specific binding partners (SBPs), and schemes for associating a plurality of mass tags with a single SBP. As such, embodiments include any combination of one or more reagents and their use. The reagents, kits and methods herein may be used for mass cytometry, including imaging mass cytometry. In some aspects, reagents, kits or methods may be used for delivery of a large number of radioisotopes to a target analyte, for example for therapeutic use or radiometric detection. In certain aspects, only non-radioactive isotopes may be used for mass cytometry.

Abstract: A new class of mass-tag polymers is provided, which include enriched metal isotopes such as zirconium and hafnium mass tags. The chemistry of these new mass tags are different from that of lanthanide mass tags, and opens up new mass channels that can be used in mass cytometry. These polymers may be used for mass cytometry, therapeutic delivery of a radioactive isotope, or screening of a therapeutic isotope. Aspects include a kit, method of making, and method of using a polymer, isotopic composition, or both. A kit may include a polymer. The polymer may include pendant groups that chelate an enriched isotope, such as zirconium and/or hafnium. The kit may include an isotopic composition comprising an enriched zirconium or hafnium isotope. Polymers may be conjugated to a biologically active material. Aspects may also include making a kit. Aspects include use of a kit, such as for mass cytometry.

Abstract: A lyophilized antibody panel is disclosed for interrogation using elemental analysis. The antibody panel includes multiple antibodies each element-tagged or element-labelled with one or more isotopes such that each different antibody is isotopically distinguishable from the other antibodies. Each element tag can include one or more unique isotopes or unique combinations of isotopes. The set of element-tagged antibodies can be lyophilized in admixture. Thus, the lyophilized element-tagged antibody panel can be easily and efficiently resuspended and mixed with a sample prior to interrogation with an elemental analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. This lyophilized element-tagged antibody panel can provide the benefits of an element-tagged assay while also being easy to use and remaining stable for long durations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to reagents and their use for elemental imaging mass spectrometry of biological samples. The embodiments comprising methods for quantifying one or more analytes within a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) providing the sample, wherein the one or more analytes are immobilized to a sample carrier, wherein the sample has been labelled with one or more mass tags comprising one or more labelling atoms, (b) performing mass cytometry on the sample to determine the level of the one or more labelling atoms, wherein the level of the one or more labelling atoms corresponds to the copy number of the one or more analytes.