Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) Analytical Service
- High Sensitivity and Resolution: Detects low-abundance biomolecules with submicron/nanoscale imaging, ensuring precision and accuracy.
- Comprehensive Surface Chemistry Information: Provides molecular composition of drugs and carriers, while also revealing protein, peptide, and biomaterial surface properties.
- Multidimensional Characterization: Supports both 2D imaging and 3D depth profiling for a complete understanding of drug delivery and action mechanisms.
- Cross-Platform Integrated Analysis: ToF-SIMS can be combined with XPS, AFM, LC-MS, and other methods. MtoZ Biolabs also offers these complementary services upon request, ensuring more comprehensive and reliable data.
- Extensive Biopharmaceutical Expertise: Backed by years of experience in proteomics, metabolomics, and pharmaceutical analysis, we guarantee high-quality, interpretable results.
- Raw ToF-SIMS spectral data files
- Processed spectra and peak lists
- 2D and/or 3D chemical distribution maps
- Comparative analysis reports (e.g., before/after treatment, formulation comparisons)
- Full experimental details, including instrument parameters and analysis workflow
- Customized interpretation and recommendations tailored to the research objectives
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) employs a high-energy ion beam to bombard the sample surface, causing surface molecules or atoms to be excited, sputtered, and partially ionized into charged secondary ions. These ions are then accelerated under an electric field and separated according to their mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) based on their distinct flight times. In this way, ToF-SIMS provides detailed chemical composition and molecular structure information from the outermost layer of the sample. Since it mainly analyzes an extremely thin surface layer, ToF-SIMS offers outstanding sensitivity and spatial resolution, while also enabling both two-dimensional imaging and three-dimensional depth profiling, making it a powerful tool for studying surface chemical distribution and molecular localization.
Malgorzata, S. et al. J Appl Phys. 2014.
Figure 1. The Principle of Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS)
ToF-SIMS is characterized by label-free detection, high sensitivity, and high spatial resolution, enabling direct imaging and in-depth profiling of the molecular composition and distribution on complex biological surfaces. In the biopharmaceutical field, ToF-SIMS can be applied to drug localization studies at tissue or cellular surfaces, surface characterization of drug delivery systems, protein and peptide surface mapping, and analysis of interactions between biomaterials and host environments. Although it has certain limitations—such as complex fragmentation patterns, challenges in quantification, and possible surface damage—these can be complemented by other analytical methods, including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Raman Spectroscopy, and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), thereby providing a more comprehensive dataset for pharmaceutical research.
Services at MtoZ Biolabs
MtoZ Biolabs offers a professional Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) Analytical Service for global research institutions and biopharmaceutical enterprises. With strong expertise in proteomics, metabolomics, drug analysis, and biomaterial characterization, we have established an advanced mass spectrometry-based platform that integrates multiple technologies. Our time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) analytical service provides highly sensitive and high-resolution analysis of the molecular composition and distribution on sample surfaces, supporting both two-dimensional imaging and three-dimensional depth profiling. This service is widely applied to drug distribution imaging, characterization of drug delivery systems, protein and peptide surface analysis, and the study of biomaterial–host interactions. Through systematic ToF-SIMS analysis, MtoZ Biolabs delivers reliable data and tailored solutions to support drug development, formulation optimization, and biocompatibility evaluation.
We can provide the following services, including but not limited to:
Service Advantages
Sample Submission Suggestions
1. Sample Types
Acceptable samples include drug substances, formulations, liposomes, polymeric carriers, antibody-drug conjugates, biomaterials, and tissue sections.
2. Sample Conditions
Solid or dried film samples are preferred; liquid samples require appropriate pretreatment. Please avoid highly volatile solvents.
3. Recommended Quantity
At least 1–2 mg per sample or equivalent film/sheet area to ensure reproducibility.
4. Storage and Transportation
Store at low temperature. For shipping, dry ice or cold-chain transport is recommended to maintain stability.
5. Additional Information
Please provide details on sample source, preparation conditions, and modifications (if any) to optimize analysis.
FAQs
Q1: What is the typical turnaround time for time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) analytical service?
A1: The turnaround time depends on the complexity and number of samples. For standard ToF-SIMS projects, results are typically delivered within 2–3 weeks after sample receipt. Larger or more complex studies may require additional time, which will be communicated in advance.
Q2: What deliverables does MtoZ Biolabs provide for ToF-SIMS analysis?
A2: We provide a comprehensive set of deliverables, including:
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analytical service at MtoZ Biolabs provides high-resolution surface molecular imaging and comprehensive profiling tailored for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Whether for drug localization, delivery system evaluation, or protein and biomaterial surface characterization, we provide systematic solutions and dependable data support.
Contact MtoZ Biolabs today and collaborate with us to accelerate your research and innovation.
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