Custom & Bespoke Mass Spectrometry Instruments
Not every analytical challenge can be solved with a catalogue instrument. SAI designs and builds custom mass spectrometry systems where standard platforms do not address the measurement requirement, spanning novel ion source integration, bespoke ToF analyser design, and hybrid instrument development.
As authorised EU distributor for SAI, Alba Scientific facilitates direct technical engagement with the SAI engineering team for all custom and bespoke enquiries
The following systems illustrate the range of custom and collaborative projects SAI has delivered. They are presented as reference points, not products for sale.
MIBI
Simultaneous multi-protein tissue imagingToF-SIMS
A ToF-SIMS platform validated for MIBI workflows, combining ion beam specificity with metal-isotope-labelled antibodies to map dozens of protein targets simultaneously within a single tissue section. Developed in collaboration with cancer biology researchers at Stanford University
Key Capabilities
| Simultaneous detection of multiple protein targets in a single acquisition |
| Single-cell spatial resolution in tissue sections |
| Metal-isotope antibody labelling compatible |
| ToF-SIMS platform validated for MIBI workflows |
3D BioSIMS
Three-dimensional molecular imagingToF-MS
SAI developed the buncher-ToF mass spectrometer at the heart of the Ionoptika J105 3D Biological SIMS, first installed at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and subsequently deployed worldwide. Designed for 3D molecular imaging of intact cells and tissue while preserving chemical complexity.
Key Capabilities
| 3D molecular imaging of intact biological samples |
| Buncher-ToF combination for high-efficiency ion detection |
| Preserves the chemical complexity of cellular and tissue environments |
| Installed at leading research institutions globally |
TAP-ToF MS
Time-of-flight detection for temporal analysisBy
ToF-MS
Commissioned by Queen’s University Belfast to replace quadrupole detection in a Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) system. ToF architecture enables simultaneous monitoring of multiple reaction products over millisecond timescales, delivering significantly enhanced insight into reaction kinetics compared to scanning approaches.
Key Capabilities
| Full parallel ToF acquisition across all reaction products simultaneously |
| Millisecond time resolution for transient kinetics measurement |
| Replaces quadrupole MSD in existing TAP systems |
| Significantly improved product monitoring vs. scanning quadrupole |