This project will establish a cutting-edge Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) platform using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) to visualize the spatial distribution of metabolites in cancer tissues. Researchers will optimize the workflow on a newly upgraded SYNAPT G2-Si mass spectrometer and apply it to a mouse model of colorectal cancer. By comparing tissue samples from mice on time-restricted feeding (TRF) and standard diets, the team aims to uncover how TRF impacts the metabolic environment of tumours. The platform will support a range of studies in metabolomics, lipidomics, and drug distribution, and generate pilot data to strengthen future funding applications and interdisciplinary collaborations.

This project will enable access to high-resolution spatial metabolomics for advanced tissue analysis in cancer research. Insights gained may inform cancer prevention strategies through dietary interventions like time-restricted feeding.