3D Mass Spectrometry Imaging as a Novel Screening Method for Evaluating Biocontrol Agents

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Metabolomics
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Soil bacteria, including Bacillus and Priestia, are crucial for plant health.
• Phytopathogens like Fusarium pose significant threats to agriculture.
• Understanding microbial interactions is key to developing biocontrol strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) for analyzing metabolic interactions between soil bacteria and a plant pathogen.
• To demonstrate the first direct 3D MSI application for visualizing microbial interactions on agar.
• To assess the potential of MSI in identifying and screening biocontrol agents.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel Laser-Assisted Remote Atmospheric Pressure Imaging/Chemical Ionization-3D Mass Spectrometry Imaging (LARAPPI/CI-3D-MSI) setup.
• Visualized spatial distribution and diffusion of microbial metabolites.
• Conducted Pathway Impact Analysis of Metabolites on ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry data.

Main Results:

• Successfully visualized interactions between Bacillus, Priestia, and Fusarium species.
• Identified distinct metabolic profiles for Bacillus licheniformis and Priestia megaterium.
• Demonstrated the capability of LARAPPI/CI MSI to differentiate microbial strains based on metabolite production.

Conclusions:

• LARAPPI/CI-3D-MSI is a powerful tool for studying microbial metabolic interactions.
• Metabolite profiles can serve as biomarkers for screening potential biocontrol strains.
• This technology can advance the development and validation of biological plant protection products.