1 research outputs found
Development of “Laser Ablation Direct Analysis in Real Time Imaging” Mass Spectrometry: Application to Spatial Distribution Mapping of Metabolites Along the Biosynthetic Cascade Leading to Synthesis of Atropine and Scopolamine in Plant Tissue
Methods
for the accomplishment of small-molecule imaging by mass
spectrometry are challenged by the need for sample pretreatment steps,
such as cryo-sectioning, dehydration, chemical fixation, or application
of a matrix or solvent, that must be performed to obtain interpretable
spatial distribution data. Furthermore, these steps along with requirements
of the mass analyzer such as high vacuum, can severely limit the range
of sample types that can be analyzed by this powerful method. Here,
we report the development of a laser ablation-direct analysis in real
time imaging mass spectrometry approach which couples a 213 nm Nd:YAG
solid state UV laser to a direct analysis in a real time ion source
and high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer. This platform
enables facile determination of the spatial distribution of small-molecules
spanning a range of polarities in a diversity of sample types and
requires no matrix, vacuum, solvent, or complicated sample pretreatment
steps. It furnishes high-resolution data, can be performed under ambient
conditions on samples in their native form, and results in little
to no fragmentation of analytes. We demonstrate its application through
determination of the spatial distribution of molecules involved in
the biosynthetic cascade leading to formation of the clinically relevant
alkaloids atropine and scopolamine in <i>Datura leichhardtii</i> seed tissue