Spatial and Depth Profiling of Agricultural Formulations in Leaf Tissue Using LAESI Mass Spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Plant Science

Background:

• Agrochemical formulation is key to enhancing active ingredient efficacy.
• Understanding formulation spreadability and penetrability in plants is crucial.
• Previous work utilized mass spectrometry imaging for spreadability analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate laser ablation electrospray mass spectrometry (LAESI-MS) for assessing agrochemical formulation penetrability into plant tissues.
• To identify formulation compositions that improve active ingredient penetration and uptake.
• To demonstrate LAESI-MS as a tool for selective tissue layer sampling.

Main Methods:

• Utilized laser ablation electrospray mass spectrometry (LAESI-MS) for formulation penetrability assessment.
• Manipulated laser intensity to selectively sample different leaf tissue layers.
• Analyzed ablated material using mass spectrometry to determine penetrability.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated LAESI-MS's capability to assess formulation penetrability in plant leaves.
• Successfully identified a formulation composition that enhances active ingredient penetration.
• Showcased selective sampling of leaf tissue layers by adjusting laser intensity.

Conclusions:

• LAESI-MS is a valuable tool for evaluating agrochemical formulation penetrability.
• Formulation composition significantly impacts active ingredient uptake.
• This method aids in developing more effective agrochemical products.