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: Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analyzers use an ICP torch to generate a plasma in which a sample is atomized an ionized. Analysis of the atomic ions can be performed by atomic analysis, such as mass spectrometry (MS) or atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Particle based ICP analysis includes analysis of particles such as cells, beads, or laser ablation plumes, by atomizing and ionizing particles in an ICP torch followed by atomic analysis. In mass cytometry, mass tags of particles are analyzed by mass spectrometry, such as by ICP-MS. Systems and methods of the subject application include one or more of: a demountable ICP torch holder assembly, an external ignition device; an ICP load coil comprising an annular fin, particle suspension sample introduction fluidics, and ICP analyzers thereof.

Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analyzers use an ICP torch to generate a plasma in which a sample is atomized an ionized. Analysis of the atomic ions can be performed by atomic analysis, such as mass spectrometry (MS) or atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Particle based ICP analysis includes analysis of particles such as cells, beads, or laser ablation plumes, by atomizing and ionizing particles in an ICP torch followed by atomic analysis. In mass cytometry, mass tags of particles are analyzed by mass spectrometry, such as by ICP-MS. Systems and methods of the subject application include one or more of: a demountable ICP torch holder assembly, an external ignition device; an ICP load coil comprising an annular fin, particle suspension sample introduction fluidics, and ICP analyzers thereof.

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: Described herein are systems and methods for imaging mass spectrometry, including imaging mass cytometry. Aspects of the subject application include apparatus and methods for imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) that improve speed of sample acquisition, signal sensitivity, and/or signal stability. Systems and methods described herein may minimize the transfer time and/or may minimize the spread of plumes of sample material ablated from a sample to be transferred to the components of the imaging mass spectrometer or mass cytometer that ionize and analyze the sample material.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for analysis of samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The invention provides methods and devices in which individual ablation plumes are distinctively captured and transferred to the ICP, followed by analysis by mass cytometry.