Examination of the distribution of nicosulfuron in sunflower plants by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging

Abstract

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) has been used to image the distribution of the pesticide nicosulfuron (2-[[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl]aminosulfonyl]-N,N-dimethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide) in plant tissue using direct tissue imaging following root and foliar uptake. Sunflower plants inoculated with nicosulfuron were horizontally sectioned at varying distances along the stem in order to asses the extent of translocation; uptake via the leaves following foliar application to the leaves and uptake via the roots from a hydroponics system were compared. An improved sample preparation methodology, encasing samples in ice, allowed sections from along the whole of the plant stem from the root bundle to the growing tip to be taken. Images of fragment ions and alkali metal adducts have been generated that show the distribution of the parent compound and a phase 1 metabolite in the plant. Positive and negative controls have been included in the images to confirm ion origin and prevent false-positive results which could originate from endogenous compounds present within the plant tissue.

Mass Spectrometric Imaging for Biomedical Tissue Analysis

“…This study demonstrated the applicability of MALDI imaging to the detection and imaging of small organic compounds in plant tissue. The same imaging technique provided new insights into the distribution of the pesticide nicosulfuron in sunflower plant tissue using direct tissue imaging following root and foliar uptake 272. Images of fragment ions and alkali metal adducts were obtained which showed the distribution of the parent compound and a phase 1 metabolite in the plant.…”

“…A number of plant metabolites such as amino acids, sugars, and phosphorylated metabolites in wheat seeds were imaged by using a combination of two matrices CHCA and 9-aminoacridine 273. MALDI-MSI was also used to image the distribution of the pesticide nicosulfuron (parent compound and a phase 1 metabolite) in plant tissue following root and foliar uptake 272. The spatial distributions of natural products with potential therapeutic applications were characterized by a MALDI-MSI approach 118.…”

Potential of MALDI imaging for the toxicological evaluation of environmental pollutants

“…In 2009, Anderson et al optimized the protocol of sample preparation to determine the distribution of nicosulfuron, a sulfonylurea herbicide extensively used in the cultivation of cereals, in sunflower sections taken from different regions of the stem after root or foliar uptake (Fig. 4) [54]. This study revealed different localizations of nicosulfuron and a phase 1 metabolite depending on the uptake type.…”

Mass spectrometry imaging for drugs and metabolites

“…A MALDI MSI study by Anderson et al . imaged the distribution of the pesticide nicosulfuron (2-[[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl]aminosulfonyl]- N,N -dimethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide) in sunflower tissue after root and foliar uptake [62]. Sunflower plants introduced to nicosulfuron were sectioned horizontally at 10, 30, 50, and 140 mm from the root bundle region and coated in CHCA matrix prior to MALDI MSI.…”