Mass Spectrometry Imaging Systems in 2025: Unveiling the Next Wave of Precision Analysis and Market Expansion. Explore how cutting-edge technology and rising demand are reshaping the landscape for researchers and industry leaders.

• Executive Summary and Key Findings
• Market Size, Growth Rate, and 2025–2030 Forecasts
• Technological Advancements and Emerging Trends
• Competitive Landscape: Leading Manufacturers and Innovators
• Applications Across Life Sciences, Pharma, and Clinical Diagnostics
• Regulatory Environment and Industry Standards
• Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Beyond
• Challenges, Barriers, and Opportunities for Stakeholders
• Sustainability, Automation, and Digital Integration
• Future Outlook: Strategic Recommendations and Growth Projections
• Sources & References

Executive Summary and Key Findings

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems are at the forefront of analytical instrumentation, enabling spatially resolved molecular analysis across a range of biological, pharmaceutical, and material science applications. As of 2025, the sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by technological advancements, expanding research applications, and increasing adoption in clinical and industrial settings. Key players in the market, such as Bruker Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, and Shimadzu Corporation, continue to innovate, offering new platforms and enhanced capabilities that address the evolving needs of end-users.

• Technological Advancements: Recent years have seen the introduction of high-resolution and high-throughput MSI systems, such as Bruker’s timsTOF fleX and Thermo Fisher’s Orbitrap-based platforms, which offer improved sensitivity, spatial resolution, and speed. These systems are increasingly capable of multiplexed imaging and integration with other modalities, such as microscopy, to provide comprehensive molecular and structural information.
• Expanding Applications: MSI is now widely used in pharmaceutical research for drug distribution studies, biomarker discovery, and toxicology. In clinical research, it is being adopted for tissue diagnostics and personalized medicine approaches. The food and environmental sectors are also leveraging MSI for contaminant detection and quality control, broadening the technology’s impact.
• Market Dynamics: The demand for MSI systems is supported by increased funding for life sciences research and a growing emphasis on precision medicine. Companies like Bruker Corporation and Thermo Fisher Scientific are expanding their global reach through strategic partnerships, product launches, and investments in user training and support infrastructure.
• Challenges and Outlook: Despite strong momentum, the sector faces challenges such as high system costs, complexity of data analysis, and the need for standardized protocols. However, ongoing efforts by manufacturers to develop user-friendly software, automated workflows, and cloud-based data solutions are expected to lower barriers to adoption. Over the next few years, the MSI market is projected to continue its upward trajectory, with further integration into clinical workflows and increased accessibility for a broader range of laboratories.

In summary, mass spectrometry imaging systems are poised for continued innovation and market expansion through 2025 and beyond, underpinned by the efforts of leading manufacturers and the growing recognition of MSI’s value across diverse scientific and industrial domains.

Market Size, Growth Rate, and 2025–2030 Forecasts

The global market for Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) systems is experiencing robust growth, driven by expanding applications in pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, and life sciences. As of 2025, the market is estimated to be valued in the low single-digit billions (USD), with leading industry participants reporting strong year-on-year revenue increases in their mass spectrometry divisions. The growth trajectory is underpinned by technological advancements, increasing adoption in biomarker discovery, and the integration of MSI with other omics platforms.

Key manufacturers such as Bruker Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Agilent Technologies dominate the sector, each offering a portfolio of MSI platforms tailored for research and clinical applications. Bruker Corporation continues to expand its MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization) imaging systems, reporting double-digit growth in its mass spectrometry segment in recent years. Thermo Fisher Scientific has also highlighted strong demand for its Orbitrap-based imaging solutions, reflecting the increasing need for high-resolution spatial molecular analysis in both academic and industrial settings.

The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the MSI systems market is projected to be in the range of 7–10% from 2025 through 2030, according to industry consensus and company outlooks. This growth is fueled by rising investments in precision medicine, the expansion of pharmaceutical R&D pipelines, and the growing use of MSI in pathology and toxicology. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and Japan, is expected to see the fastest growth due to increased research funding and the establishment of new clinical and academic centers equipped with advanced imaging technologies.

Emerging players and established companies alike are investing in automation, software integration, and user-friendly interfaces to broaden the accessibility of MSI systems. Shimadzu Corporation and JEOL Ltd. are notable for their efforts to develop compact and cost-effective MSI platforms, targeting both core laboratories and decentralized clinical environments.

Looking ahead, the MSI systems market is expected to benefit from ongoing collaborations between instrument manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies, as well as from regulatory initiatives supporting advanced diagnostic technologies. The next five years will likely see further miniaturization, improved throughput, and enhanced data analytics capabilities, positioning MSI as a critical tool in translational research and personalized medicine.

Technological Advancements and Emerging Trends

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems are experiencing rapid technological evolution in 2025, driven by the demand for higher spatial resolution, faster acquisition speeds, and enhanced molecular specificity. The integration of advanced ionization techniques, improved detectors, and sophisticated data analysis software is reshaping the landscape of MSI, enabling new applications in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.

One of the most significant advancements is the refinement of high-resolution imaging modalities such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI). Leading manufacturers like Bruker and Thermo Fisher Scientific have introduced next-generation MALDI-TOF and Orbitrap-based systems, offering subcellular spatial resolution and improved sensitivity. These systems are now capable of mapping hundreds of biomolecules simultaneously, facilitating detailed tissue profiling and biomarker discovery in clinical research.

Another emerging trend is the miniaturization and automation of MSI platforms. Companies such as Shimadzu Corporation and JEOL Ltd. are developing compact, benchtop instruments that integrate automated sample handling and real-time data processing. This shift is making MSI more accessible to routine laboratories and expanding its use beyond specialized research centers.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly being incorporated into MSI workflows. These technologies enable automated image segmentation, pattern recognition, and molecular annotation, significantly reducing analysis time and improving reproducibility. Agilent Technologies and Waters Corporation are investing in software solutions that leverage AI to handle the vast datasets generated by high-throughput MSI experiments.

In parallel, there is a growing emphasis on multimodal imaging, where MSI is combined with other imaging modalities such as optical microscopy or MRI. This approach provides complementary information, enhancing the interpretation of molecular distributions within complex biological samples. Collaborative efforts between instrument manufacturers and academic institutions are accelerating the development of integrated platforms capable of correlative imaging.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to bring further improvements in spatial resolution—potentially reaching single-cell or even subcellular levels—alongside faster acquisition rates and expanded molecular coverage. The continued collaboration between industry leaders, such as Bruker, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Shimadzu Corporation, and the adoption of open data standards will likely drive broader adoption of MSI in clinical diagnostics, drug development, and beyond.

Competitive Landscape: Leading Manufacturers and Innovators

The competitive landscape for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems in 2025 is characterized by a dynamic interplay between established instrument manufacturers, emerging technology innovators, and strategic collaborations. The sector is driven by increasing demand for high-resolution spatial molecular analysis in fields such as pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, and biomarker discovery.

Among the global leaders, Bruker Corporation continues to set benchmarks with its MALDI-TOF and MALDI-FTICR platforms, notably the rapifleX and timsTOF fleX systems. Bruker’s focus on integrating ion mobility separation and high-speed acquisition has positioned it at the forefront of both research and applied markets. The company’s ongoing investments in software for data analysis and automation are expected to further consolidate its leadership through 2025.

Thermo Fisher Scientific remains a key competitor, leveraging its broad portfolio of Orbitrap-based and hybrid mass spectrometers. The company’s emphasis on expanding imaging capabilities, such as the introduction of the MALDI-2 source and advanced data processing tools, has enabled it to address the growing need for sensitivity and throughput in tissue imaging. Thermo Fisher’s global reach and integration with complementary omics technologies are likely to sustain its competitive edge in the coming years.

Shimadzu Corporation and JEOL Ltd. are prominent in the Asia-Pacific region, with both companies offering robust MALDI and TOF-based imaging systems. Shimadzu’s iMScope series, which combines optical microscopy with mass spectrometry, has gained traction in pharmaceutical and pathology applications. JEOL’s advancements in high-resolution and high-sensitivity instrumentation are expected to drive further adoption, particularly in academic and clinical research settings.

Emerging players and niche innovators are also shaping the competitive landscape. Waters Corporation has expanded its presence with DESI (Desorption Electrospray Ionization) imaging solutions, targeting applications in metabolomics and drug distribution studies. Meanwhile, companies such as IONpath are pioneering multiplexed imaging mass cytometry, enabling simultaneous detection of dozens of biomarkers at subcellular resolution—a capability increasingly sought after in immuno-oncology and spatial biology.

Looking ahead, the competitive environment is expected to intensify as manufacturers invest in automation, artificial intelligence-driven data analysis, and multimodal imaging integration. Strategic partnerships between instrument vendors, software developers, and research institutions are anticipated to accelerate innovation and expand the accessibility of MSI technologies across diverse scientific and clinical domains.

Applications Across Life Sciences, Pharma, and Clinical Diagnostics

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems are increasingly pivotal across life sciences, pharmaceutical research, and clinical diagnostics, with 2025 marking a period of rapid expansion and technological refinement. MSI enables spatially resolved molecular analysis directly from tissue sections, providing critical insights into biomolecular distributions that underpin disease mechanisms, drug action, and biomarker discovery.

In life sciences, MSI is being leveraged to map metabolites, lipids, and proteins in complex biological samples. This spatially resolved molecular information is essential for understanding cellular heterogeneity and tissue microenvironments. Leading instrument manufacturers such as Bruker and Thermo Fisher Scientific have introduced high-resolution systems capable of subcellular imaging, supporting research in neuroscience, cancer biology, and developmental biology. For example, Bruker’s MALDI-TOF/TOF and MALDI-FTICR platforms are widely used for high-throughput tissue imaging, while Thermo Fisher’s Orbitrap-based systems offer high mass accuracy and sensitivity, facilitating the detection of low-abundance analytes.

In pharmaceutical research, MSI is transforming drug development workflows. The technology allows for direct visualization of drug and metabolite distribution within tissues, supporting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. This capability is crucial for assessing drug efficacy, toxicity, and off-target effects. Companies such as Shimadzu Corporation and Agilent Technologies have developed robust MSI platforms tailored for pharmaceutical applications, including quantitative imaging and multiplexed analysis. These systems are increasingly integrated into preclinical and clinical research pipelines, accelerating the translation of drug candidates from bench to bedside.

Clinical diagnostics is an emerging frontier for MSI, with 2025 seeing early adoption in pathology labs and translational research centers. MSI’s ability to provide label-free, multiplexed molecular information from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues is driving its use in cancer diagnostics, infectious disease profiling, and biomarker validation. Bruker and Leica Microsystems are collaborating to integrate MSI with digital pathology workflows, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable personalized medicine approaches.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to bring further advances in spatial resolution, throughput, and data analysis capabilities. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for automated image interpretation is anticipated to streamline data processing and support clinical decision-making. As regulatory frameworks evolve and validation studies accumulate, MSI is poised to become a routine tool in both research and clinical settings, with major industry players continuing to drive innovation and adoption.

Regulatory Environment and Industry Standards

The regulatory environment for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems is evolving rapidly as these technologies become increasingly integral to pharmaceutical development, clinical diagnostics, and advanced research. In 2025, regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are intensifying their focus on the validation, standardization, and quality assurance of MSI platforms, particularly as these systems transition from research laboratories to clinical and industrial settings.

A key trend is the harmonization of standards for instrument performance, data acquisition, and analysis protocols. Organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop guidelines that ensure reproducibility and traceability of MSI data. The ISO 23494 series, for example, addresses requirements for imaging mass spectrometry, including sample preparation, calibration, and data reporting, and is expected to see broader adoption in the next few years.

Manufacturers like Bruker Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Agilent Technologies are actively participating in standardization initiatives and working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure their systems meet emerging compliance requirements. These companies are also investing in software solutions that facilitate compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, which are increasingly mandated for MSI systems used in regulated environments.

Data integrity and cybersecurity are gaining prominence as regulatory concerns, especially with the growing use of cloud-based data management and remote analysis tools. Industry leaders are implementing robust encryption, audit trails, and user authentication features to align with regulatory expectations and protect sensitive patient and research data.

Looking ahead, the regulatory landscape is expected to become more stringent as MSI technologies are adopted for clinical diagnostics, including tissue imaging for oncology and personalized medicine. The FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program and similar initiatives in Europe are likely to accelerate the approval process for innovative MSI-based diagnostic tools, provided they meet rigorous safety and efficacy standards. Industry consortia and working groups, such as those coordinated by the Mass Spectrometry: Applications to the Clinical Lab (MSACL), are anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping best practices and facilitating dialogue between regulators, manufacturers, and end-users.

• 2025 will see increased alignment of MSI system validation protocols with international standards.
• Manufacturers are prioritizing compliance features and documentation to support regulatory submissions.
• Ongoing collaboration between industry and regulators is expected to streamline the path to clinical adoption.

Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Beyond

The global landscape for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems in 2025 is characterized by dynamic regional growth, driven by advances in healthcare, pharmaceutical research, and life sciences. North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific remain the principal markets, each exhibiting unique trends and priorities.

North America continues to lead in MSI adoption, propelled by robust investments in biomedical research, a mature pharmaceutical sector, and a strong presence of leading manufacturers. The United States, in particular, benefits from the activities of major players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, and Bruker Corporation. These companies are at the forefront of developing high-resolution and high-throughput MSI platforms, supporting applications in drug discovery, clinical diagnostics, and biomarker research. The region also benefits from significant funding initiatives by government agencies and collaborations with academic institutions, further accelerating technology adoption.

Europe maintains a strong position in the MSI market, with a focus on translational research and clinical applications. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are notable for their advanced research infrastructure and active participation in international consortia. European manufacturers, including Shimadzu Corporation (with a significant European presence) and Bruker Corporation, are investing in next-generation MSI systems with enhanced spatial resolution and multiplexing capabilities. The European Union’s emphasis on personalized medicine and regulatory harmonization is expected to further stimulate demand for MSI technologies in the coming years.

Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, driven by expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising investments in life sciences research. Japan, China, and South Korea are at the forefront, with local and multinational companies establishing research centers and production facilities. Shimadzu Corporation, headquartered in Japan, is a key player, offering a broad portfolio of MSI systems tailored to regional needs. The region’s rapid adoption of advanced analytical technologies is supported by government initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic R&D capabilities and fostering international collaborations.

Beyond these core regions, countries in Latin America and the Middle East are gradually increasing their adoption of MSI systems, primarily in academic and clinical research settings. While market penetration remains lower compared to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure and scientific training are expected to create new opportunities for MSI system suppliers in the medium term.

Looking ahead, the global MSI market is poised for continued expansion, with regional growth trajectories shaped by local research priorities, regulatory environments, and the presence of leading manufacturers such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, Bruker Corporation, and Shimadzu Corporation.

Challenges, Barriers, and Opportunities for Stakeholders

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems are at the forefront of spatially resolved molecular analysis, but their broader adoption and advancement face several challenges and barriers, even as new opportunities emerge for stakeholders in 2025 and the coming years.

Technical and Operational Challenges
MSI systems, including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), require highly specialized instrumentation and expertise. The complexity of sample preparation, data acquisition, and interpretation remains a significant barrier for many laboratories. High-resolution MSI platforms, such as those developed by Bruker and Thermo Fisher Scientific, offer advanced capabilities but demand substantial investment in both equipment and skilled personnel. Additionally, the sheer volume and complexity of MSI data necessitate robust computational infrastructure and advanced software for visualization and analysis, which can be a limiting factor for smaller institutions.

Cost and Accessibility
The high capital and operational costs of MSI systems continue to restrict access, particularly in resource-limited settings. Leading manufacturers such as Shimadzu Corporation and JEOL Ltd. have made strides in developing more compact and user-friendly systems, but affordability remains a concern. Consumables, maintenance, and the need for ongoing training further add to the total cost of ownership, posing a challenge for widespread adoption outside of well-funded research centers and industry labs.

Standardization and Regulatory Hurdles
A lack of standardized protocols for sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis impedes reproducibility and cross-laboratory comparisons. Industry bodies and consortia are working towards harmonization, but progress is gradual. For clinical and pharmaceutical applications, regulatory acceptance of MSI-derived data is still evolving, with agencies requiring rigorous validation and quality control. This creates both a barrier and an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the development of standards and best practices.

Opportunities and Outlook
Despite these challenges, the outlook for MSI systems is promising. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis is expected to streamline workflows and enhance interpretability, lowering the expertise barrier. Collaborations between instrument manufacturers, such as Bruker and Thermo Fisher Scientific, and software developers are accelerating the development of user-friendly platforms. The expansion of MSI applications in clinical diagnostics, drug development, and biomarker discovery is driving investment and innovation. As costs gradually decrease and standardization efforts mature, stakeholders—including instrument vendors, academic researchers, and end-users in healthcare and industry—stand to benefit from the expanding capabilities and reach of MSI technologies in the next few years.

Sustainability, Automation, and Digital Integration

The landscape of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems is rapidly evolving in 2025, with sustainability, automation, and digital integration emerging as central themes. As laboratories and research institutions face increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact, leading manufacturers are prioritizing the development of more energy-efficient and resource-conscious instruments. For example, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Bruker have both announced initiatives to minimize solvent consumption and optimize instrument power usage, aligning with broader corporate sustainability goals. These efforts are complemented by the use of recyclable materials in instrument construction and packaging, as well as the implementation of take-back programs for end-of-life equipment.

Automation is another key driver shaping the MSI sector. The integration of advanced robotics and automated sample handling systems is reducing manual intervention, thereby increasing throughput and reproducibility. Agilent Technologies has introduced automated workflows for sample preparation and data acquisition, enabling laboratories to process larger sample volumes with reduced error rates. Similarly, Shimadzu Corporation is focusing on user-friendly interfaces and automated calibration routines, which streamline daily operations and lower the barrier for new users. These advancements are particularly significant for clinical and pharmaceutical applications, where high-throughput and reliability are paramount.

Digital integration is transforming how MSI data is managed, analyzed, and shared. Cloud-based platforms and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics are becoming standard features in new systems. Waters Corporation has expanded its digital ecosystem to support real-time data sharing and remote instrument monitoring, facilitating collaborative research and multi-site studies. The adoption of open data standards and interoperability protocols is also gaining momentum, allowing seamless integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and other digital infrastructure. This digital shift not only enhances data security and accessibility but also supports regulatory compliance in highly controlled environments.

Looking ahead, the convergence of sustainability, automation, and digital integration is expected to accelerate innovation in MSI systems over the next few years. Industry leaders are investing in R&D to further reduce the environmental footprint of their products, while also expanding the capabilities of automated and digitally connected platforms. As these trends continue, laboratories can anticipate more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent MSI solutions that support both scientific discovery and operational excellence.

Future Outlook: Strategic Recommendations and Growth Projections

The future outlook for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) systems in 2025 and the coming years is shaped by rapid technological advancements, expanding application domains, and strategic industry initiatives. As the demand for high-resolution, label-free molecular imaging grows across pharmaceutical, clinical, and life science research, MSI systems are poised for significant growth and transformation.

Key industry leaders such as Bruker Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, and Shimadzu Corporation continue to invest in R&D, focusing on improving spatial resolution, sensitivity, and throughput. For example, Bruker’s MALDI-2 and timsTOF fleX platforms have set new standards in spatial resolution and molecular coverage, enabling more detailed tissue and biomarker analysis. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s advancements in Orbitrap-based imaging systems are also driving higher mass accuracy and faster acquisition speeds, which are critical for clinical and translational research.

Strategically, companies are expanding their MSI portfolios through partnerships and acquisitions, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for automated data analysis and interpretation. This trend is expected to accelerate, as AI-driven workflows can significantly reduce analysis time and improve reproducibility, making MSI more accessible to non-expert users. Additionally, the integration of MSI with other omics technologies and digital pathology platforms is anticipated to create comprehensive multi-modal solutions, further broadening the utility of MSI in precision medicine and drug development.

From a market perspective, the adoption of MSI systems is projected to grow robustly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, driven by increased funding for biomedical research and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Regulatory support for advanced diagnostic tools and the push for personalized medicine are also catalyzing the deployment of MSI in clinical settings. Notably, Shimadzu Corporation and Agilent Technologies are actively expanding their presence in emerging markets, leveraging local collaborations and tailored product offerings.

Strategic recommendations for stakeholders include continued investment in R&D to enhance system performance, fostering collaborations with academic and clinical partners, and prioritizing user-friendly software solutions. Emphasis should also be placed on regulatory compliance and data standardization to facilitate clinical adoption. Overall, the outlook for MSI systems is highly positive, with sustained innovation and cross-sector partnerships expected to drive double-digit growth rates and unlock new frontiers in molecular imaging by the end of the decade.

Sources & References

• Bruker Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Shimadzu Corporation
• JEOL Ltd.
• Leica Microsystems
• International Organization for Standardization