MSiReader: an open-source interface to view and analyze high resolving power MS imaging files on Matlab platform

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has become a widely adopted technique, integrated into commercial instrumentation.
• Despite advancements, MSI technology is still evolving, with ongoing research into fundamental imaging techniques, novel ionization sources, and diverse applications.
• The proliferation of data formats for MSI data necessitates standardized solutions for data handling and analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce MSiReader, a free, open-source software application for reading and analyzing high-resolution MSI data.
• To address the lack of readily available, free software packages capable of handling the diverse file formats used in MSI.
• To provide a user-friendly platform for both novice and experienced users in the MSI field.

Main Methods:

• Development of MSiReader as a standalone application built on the Matlab platform.
• Integration of support for multiple common MSI data file formats.
• Inclusion of a comprehensive suite of data analysis tools and features within the application.

Main Results:

• MSiReader offers a free and accessible solution for processing diverse MSI data.
• The application features a user-friendly interface, minimizing the learning curve for users unfamiliar with Matlab.
• Experienced Matlab users can customize and extend MSiReader's functionalities for specialized analyses.

Conclusions:

• MSiReader enhances the accessibility and utility of mass spectrometry imaging data analysis.
• The software facilitates broader adoption and deeper investigation of MSI data across research disciplines.
• MSiReader represents a valuable resource for the scientific community, promoting collaborative and reproducible MSI research.