BioQuant: Data Processing Software for Simultaneous Imaging Analysis for Elements and Molecules Using Two Mass Spectrometers

Simultaneous imaging analysis for both elements and molecules was conducted by introducing laser-induced sample particles into two separate mass spectrometers (i.e., an inorganic spectrometer and an organic mass spectrometer) through the split-flow protocol. The timing of ion detections for elements and molecules can be different, reflecting the differences in mass scan rates, lengths for transport tubing, and flow rates of carrier gases, and thus, the timing of ion detections must be carefully aligned to discuss abundance correlations between elements and molecules. To achieve this, a new data processing software “BioQuant” was developed to correct the time difference of the signal intensities for components obtained by the two mass spectrometers. With the BioQuant software, signal intensity data obtained from several unit cells were merged into a newly defined unit cell, calculated by the common time intervals from both mass spectrometers. With the newly defined unit cells, correlation analysis between the elements and molecules can be conducted. Combination of the BioQuant software and laser ablation system connected to two separated mass spectrometers can become a benchmark technique for simultaneous imaging analysis for both the elements and molecules from single sample material.