Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Direct analysis of alkaloid profiling in plant tissue by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass
Wei Wu1, Zhitao Liang, Zhongzhen Zhao
1Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract:
A method for the direct determination of alkaloid profiling in plant tissues by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was developed. The alkaloid profiles of the herbs were obtained without the need for complicated sample preparation. Experimental results demonstrated that the direct MALDI-TOFMS analysis allowed rapid and reliable characterization of the components in plant tissues. Four commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs were studied, including Aconitum Carmichaeli Debx. (Fuzi in Chinese) and Processed Fuzi, for herb differentiation and explanation of the significant difference in their toxicities. The direct analysis method proved valuable for the preliminary study of plant component profiles. The rapid collection of information from the direct analysis on plant tissues could be valuable for supporting the discovery of new compounds and for the quality control of medicinal herbs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Rapid Identification of Pathogens
Peptide Identification Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry
This technique helps gather information regarding the protein from which the peptide was obtained and to study the peptides’ amino acid sequence. Identifying peptides from a complex mixture is an important component of the growing field of...
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...

