Consultancy Services

Multimodal Analysis

With over 20 years’ experience in mass spectrometry imaging (particularly MALDI, SIMS and LA-ICP) and more recently Raman Spectroscopy, we can provide dynamic solutions tailored to your needs and analytical challenges.

Advice, Support & Training

Drawing upon 30 years of experience providing training, mentoring and coaching to students, undergraduates, PhD students, Post-Docs and visiting professionals obtained through industrial experience at GSK R&D, we can provide advice, support and training for all competency and levels of experience. Lecturing and motivational speaking

Develop Effective Workflows

I can help you formulate an effective workflow and provide instruction on how to navigate through all aspects required to perform successful mass spectrometry imaging experiments.

Design Successful Experiments

What type of experiment do you want to perform? What samples will you need? What spatial resolution do you need? We can provide assistance and recommendations to help you design successful experiments.

Sample Preparation Guidance

We can provide guidance on all aspects of Sample Preparation. These include, but are not limited to, assistance and training in tissue preparation/mounting, all aspects of organ/tissue/whole body cryo-sectioning, matrix application, histology staining procedures.

Detection, Discovery, Classification and Identification

What is the analyte(s) that is the subject of the analysis? We can offer help, support and recommendations for the most suitable instrumentation, conditions and experiments necessary for fruitful and efficacious analytical outcomes.

Xenobiotic mapping

Drawing upon 20+ years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry determining drug distribution in a multitude of samples and tissue types we can offer comprehensive solutions for your requirements for undertaking xenobiotic mapping.

Single Cell Analysis

For many years considered the “Holy Grail” of mass spectrometry imaging and still very much state-of-the art, however, advances in MSI technologies, such as improved resolution and sensitivity, are enhancing its application in fields like cancer research, neurobiology, and personalized medicine.

Single-cell analysis allows for the detailed examination of the molecular composition within individual cells. Unlike traditional bulk analysis, which averages signals across many cells, single-cell MSI can identify and spatially map metabolites, lipids, proteins, and other biomolecules at the cellular or even subcellular level. This approach provides insights into cellular heterogeneity, revealing variations in molecular profiles that may be critical for understanding complex biological processes, disease mechanisms, and drug responses.

We are able to offer the information, guidelines, and recommendations essential for investigating analytes in single cells.

Interpretation (and Biological Relevance)

Interpreting MSI data involves analysing the spatial distribution and intensity of detected ions to gain insights into the molecular composition of a sample. This process typically includes mapping the presence of specific molecules across the sample, correlating ion signals with anatomical or histological features, and identifying potential biomarkers or molecular signatures. Data interpretation requires careful consideration of factors like ion suppression effects, spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio. Using advanced data processing techniques, the goal is to translate the raw MSI data into biologically or clinically relevant information. We can deliver insights, frameworks, and directives specific to your needs to aid the interpretation of your data.

Quantification

Determining the accurate concentration of a specific compound within a small, targeted region of tissue (single pixel) is extremely challenging. Inefficient analyte extraction together with matrix and tissue heterogeneity, and ion suppression phenomena all confound the process. We can assist in providing solutions and guidelines for overcoming these stumbling blocks and produce highly robust and reproducible quantification measurements.

Data Analysis

Advanced data processing techniques, such as multivariate analysis and machine learning are available and are often employed to extract meaningful patterns and relationships from the complex, high-dimensional MSI datasets. Ultimately, the goal is to translate the raw MSI data into biologically or clinically relevant information. We are positioned to give advice and assistance in the analysis of your data.

Reporting and Publishing

With over 45 peer-reviewed publications, I can assist in drafting and formulating reports, as well as in writing papers for publication, thereby maximizing the impact of your work.