Pew2: Open-Source Imaging Software for Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Open-sourced software is a key component of the mass spectrometry imaging field, where transparency in data processing is vital. Imaging of trace elements and immunohistochemically labeled biomolecules in tissue sections is typically performed using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). However, efficient and facile processing of images is hampered by a lack of verifiable and user-friendly software that supports multiple LA-ICP-MS platforms. In this technical note, we introduce Pew2, a LA-ICP-MS specific and feature-rich open-source image processing software that is compatible with common ICP-MS vendors. Pew2 is designed to be fast and easy to use and adheres to modern visualization philosophies to maximize productivity and to minimize data interpretation errors and image anomalies.

Automated summary

Open-sourced software is crucial in the field of mass spectrometry imaging, and Pew2 is a specific and feature-rich open-source image processing software for LA-ICP-MS, designed to be fast, user-friendly, and in line with modern visualization philosophies.