3M licenses MALDI technology to Bruker

3M Health Care has signed an exclusive patent license agreement with life science company over the use of its matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging technology.

The deal will allow Bruker to incorporate 3M's MALDI innovations in its imaging systems and solutions, underlining both companies' commitment to making these tools more widely available to researchers.

3M's patents pertain to a technique for performing mass spectrometry analysis on proteins in tissue that has been preserved in paraffin, making it easier to study formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue for life science research and drug development.

Dr Todd Fruchterman, senior vice-president of research and development and chief medical officer for 3M Health Care, said: "We are pleased to license these patents to Bruker – a leader in the field of MALDI imaging – and see this technology applied in the market."

Earlier this year, 3M formed a strategic alliance with M*Modal, allowing the company's clinical documentation platform to be worked in conjunction with 3M's 360 Encompass System.