HTX M3+ Sprayer™

MALDI Imaging Sample Preparation System

HTX M3+ Sprayer™ MALDI Imaging Sample Preparation System

The HTX M3+ Sprayer is a fully automated

robustness, ease of use, and time-saving

automation that will meet the needs of
Imaging Mass Spectrometry Labs.

Innovative Fluidics Control

The HTX M3+ Sprayer with Cadence Pump and PumpScriptsTM The unique ability to control liquid and propulsion gas
(patent pending) is our most compact and automated sprayer. temperature creates a fine solution mist that is wet enough to
Designed with multi-user labs in mind, the HTX M3+ Sprayer maximize analyte extraction, yet warm enough to evaporate
lets users access their preferred methods quickly and fully quickly before delocalization takes place. This ensures both high
control the spraying cycles and cleaning cycles with only a few signal and the best spatial resolution.
clicks. The integration of the new Cadence Pump with 8-way
valve and smart PumpScriptsTM means that priming, flushing " (With the HTX M3+ Sprayer) I have been able to optimise
and washing steps are fully integrated in any rotocol, ensuring my spray and my MS imaging is so much better than it ever
that the instrument maintains optimum performance over has been, with both resolution and signal greatly improved!"
time, and is left contaminant-free for the next user. – Katie Kennedy, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

The proprietary Key Characteristics

ACID BASE heated spray Patented technology providing very small matrix droplets
technology of (<1 microns)
WATER A B NOZZLE the HTX M3+ High flow rate and fast sample prep (2 to 18 minutes per slide)
H C Sprayer ensures a Highly consistent matrix deposition across entire sample area
ORGANIC
G D MATRIX
very fine, uniform (+/- 3% by weight)
F E and reproducible Unique use of temperature and nitrogen flow to control
S
matrix coating evaporation rate and matrix crystal formation
WASTE Y ENZYME crucial for high Fully validated protocols for most MALDI matrices (e.g.: SA,
R
I
N
G
spatial resolution CHCA, DHB, DAN, 9-AA, DHA, CMBT, THAP, Norharmane)
E imaging and relative Fully validated protocols for derivatization agents, internal
quantification of standards, enzymes (e.g.: Trypsin, PNGaseF)
analytes. Standard Fully automated start-up, purging and cleaning cycles at the
methods are well suited for 10µm spatial resolution and click of a button
advanced methods are available for higher spatial resolution Optimized user interface for easy training, process control
including single cell imaging. and QC log reporting.

Prime Spray Flush Wash

START Scripts Method Scripts Scripts ENDS M3+ SPRAY

PUMPSCRIPTS™
 Time Saving
Responding to the need for faster sample prep workflows,
the HTX M3+ Sprayer offers XY stage velocity of up to
3,000 mm/min, more than double the maximum speed of the
HTX TM-Sprayer. This allows at least 30% faster spray cycles
with no visible reduction in signal intensity and image quality.

Effect of Increased Spray Velocities

Overlay
Intuitive User Interface 1,300
mm/min
The fully redesigned User Interface greatly simplifies (FR 100μL/min)
training, everyday use, and switching between protocols, 7 mins
users, and projects.
2,600
At the top of the screen, all essential process information such mm/min
(FR 200μL/min) 1300 2600
as method temperature, pump flow rate, time remaining and
reagent usage are clearly visible at all times. At the center of the 4.5 mins
screen, a large status bar and touch screen friendly buttons help
start and monitor enzyme or matrix spray cycles. Finally, more
advanced functions such as the editing of Methods are easily "Our group relies on use of multiple glycosidases
accessible, but minimized during normal operation to offer a
and proteases in our imaging mass spectrometry
very clear and decluttered interface.
analysis of clinical tissues and biofluids.
Ideal for Multi-user Facilities The HTX M3+ Sprayer has greatly streamlined
The new User Interface facilitates training of new users who this approach by allowing customized method
can safely operate the instrument within minutes. Flushing programs for each enzyme combined with
and Washing Protocols are fully automated and attached to automatic cleaning steps between applications"
each method which ensures that the instrument is always left
– Prof. Richard Drake, Medical University of SC, USA
perfectly cleaned and ready for the next user at the end of a
cycle. Existing HTX TM-Sprayer methods are fully compatible
with the new HTX M3+ Sprayer and are found under the HTX Ideal for Multi-method Workflows
Method Folder or lab custom folders. Many imaging workflows require multiple spray methods and
thorough cleaning between consecutive spray cycles of enzyme,
The ability to attach and lock Prime Scripts, Flush Scripts and internal standards, or derivitization reagents prior to matrix
Wash Scripts to a Spray Method adds reproducibility to the application. These multi-method workflows can be performed on
workflow, increases spray nozzle life, and provides peace of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, frozen tissues,
mind when multiple users access the same instrument. or bloodmarks. In the case of enzymatic digestions, an enzyme
spray at a low flow rate takes place before incubation, and is
"The M3+ Sprayer increases the robustness of then followed by a matrix spray at a high flow rate. Where on
our imaging endeavors in a multi-user environment previous models this would require modifying the instrument
conguration and following strict wash sequences, the HTX
such as M4I. The automated protocols increase our
M3+ Sprayer does not require manual modifications due to its
uptime and the optimized fluid handling reduces automated valve. The instrument also fully handles any complex
our consumable cost and increases the cleaning though the embedded PumpScripts™. This makes the
sustainability of the imaging MS workflow" HTX M3+ Sprayer ideally suited for research labs developing
– Prof. Ron Heeren, Maastricht University, NL clinical assays or high throughput quantitative analysis.

HTX M3+ Sprayer™ MALDI Imaging Sample Preparation System

 HTX M3+ Sprayer™ MALDI Imaging Sample Preparation System
Application Examples
N-GLYCAN IMAGING PEPTIDE IMAGING
REAGENT PNGaseF (enzyme) CHCA (matrix) REAGENT Trypsin (enzyme) CHCA (matrix)
CONCENTRATION 0.1 μg/μL 7 mg/mL CONCENTRATION 150 μg/mL 5 mg/mL
FLOW RATE 25 μL/min 100 μL/min FLOW RATE 30 μL/min 100 μL/min
PASSES 15 10 PASSES 8 4
TEMP 45 °C 79 °C TEMP 30 °C 75 °C

associated signatures that can be used as clinical biomarkers to

impact patient care. A colon tumor tissue section is shown below.

N-glycan imaging reagents and tissue courtesy of Fingermarks courtesy of Katie Kennedy & Simona Francese,
Richard Drake, Medical University of South Carolina, USA Sheffield Hallam University, UK

LIPID IMAGING HTX M3+ Sprayer Dimensions

REAGENT Images of lipids by Technical Characteristics 12”W x 14”H x 13.5”D
CONCENTRATION 5 mg/mL (30.5 × 35.5 × 34.3 cm)
important markers
FLOW RATE 100 μL/min of cell signaling
and neurobiology. Weight
PASSES 10
30lbs (13.5kg)
TEMP 77 °C Available spray area 81 x 125mm
Motorized drawer loading.

Spray Range
0.010 mL/min to 0.500 mL/min
Max Velocity 3,000 mm/min

Heated Nozzle
24V 40W 30°C to 130°C.
Pressure 2 Bars (30 psi)
Lipid imaging reagents and tissue courtesy of
Peggi Angel, Medical University of South Carolina, USA

HTX TECHNOLOGIES PRODUCTS ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTICS PROCEDURES.

HTX M3+ Sprayer™ is available worldwide exclusively from HTX Technologies, LLC.
To request further information contact:

Alain Creissen
Imaging Product Manager, HTX Technologies
[email protected]

HTX Technologies offers innovative sample preparation systems for advanced PO Box 16007, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
Tel +1-919-928-5688 Fax +1-919-928-5153
instruments, software, consumables and method development services. [email protected] www.htximaging.com