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Updated: May 12, 2026
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Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 12, 2013
Blotting assisted by heating and solvent extraction for DESI-MS imaging
Elaine C Cabral1, Mario F Mirabelli, Consuelo J Perez
1Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) successfully imaged imprints of potato, ginkgo, and strawberry compounds on TLC plates. This method allows for analyzing diverse soft materials without special surfaces or matrices.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Plant Science
Background:
- Direct analysis of soft or irregular materials like plant tissues presents challenges in mass spectrometry.
- Traditional methods often require sample preparation, matrices, or specific surfaces, limiting applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a novel imprinting technique using Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (DESI-MS) for analyzing plant imprints.
- To visualize the distribution of key chemical compounds within potato sprouts, ginkgo leaves, and strawberries.
Main Methods:
- Imprinting of potato sprouts, ginkgo leaves, and strawberries onto Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) plates.
- Utilizing heating and/or solvent extraction assisted blotting for sample transfer.
- Imaging mass spectrometry using Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (DESI-MS).
Main Results:
- Successful ion imaging of imprints from potato, ginkgo, and strawberry.
- Distribution maps of specific compounds were obtained: glycoalkaloid toxins (potato), ginkgolic acids and flavonoids (ginkgo), and sugars and anthocyanidin (strawberry).
- Demonstrated feasibility across different plant materials and imprinting conditions.
Conclusions:
- DESI-MS coupled with imprinting provides a versatile method for analyzing diverse soft biological materials.
- The technique eliminates the need for additional matrices or specialized surfaces, broadening the scope of direct sample analysis.
- This approach facilitates the spatial localization of significant chemical constituents in plant imprints.
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