Exploration of Rapid Evaporative-Ionization Mass Spectrometry as a Shotgun Approach for the Comprehensive Characterization of Kigelia Africana (Lam) Benth. Fruit

Abstract

Rapid evaporative-ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) coupled with an electroknife as a sampling device was recently employed in many application fields to obtain a rapid characterization of different samples without any need for extraction or cleanup procedures. In the present research, REIMS was used to obtain a metabolic profiling of the Kigelia africana fruit, thus extending the applicability of such a technique to the investigation of phytochemical constituents. In particular, the advantages of REIMS linked to a typical electrosurgical handpiece were applied for a comprehensive screening of this botanical species, by exploiting the mass accuracy and tandem MS capabilities of a quadrupole-time of flight analyzer. Then, 78 biomolecules were positively identified, including phenols, fatty acids and phospholipids. In the last decade, Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. fruit has attracted special interest for its drug-like properties, e.g., its use for infertility treatments and as anti-tumor agent, as well as against fungal and bacterial infections, diabetes, and inflammatory processes. Many of these properties are currently correlated to the presence of phenolic compounds, also detected in the present study, while the native lipid composition is here reported for the first time and could open new directions in the evaluation of therapeutic activity.

Rapid identification of mosquito species, sex and age by mass spectrometric analysis

“…bacterial colonies [33][34][35] and plant materials [48]. Within a few seconds, the burn event generates a complex, richly detailed mass spectrum.…”

“…A mass spectrometric method such as REIMS has compelling advantages in the context of field studies. First, because there is zero sample preparation, the generation of the aerosol can be applied to a broad range of biological material, including tissues, [27–29], foodstuffs [30–32, 47], faecal pellets [37], bacterial colonies [33–35] and plant materials [48]. Within a few seconds, the burn event generates a complex, richly detailed mass spectrum.…”

Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry: A Review on Its Application to the Red Meat Industry with an Australian Context

“…Principal component analysis revealed that several candidate biomarkers that could be used to distinguish Bronte pistachios from the others that were tested [ 17 ]. REIMS has also been used for biomarker profiling of the Kigelia africana fruit which are of increasing importance for its drug-like properties resulting from numerous secondary metabolites [ 60 ]. The study confirmed the presence of antioxidant molecules such as flavonoids and iridoids, and provided insights into the native lipid composition which may contribute to the biological activity of the fruit [ 60 ].…”

“…REIMS has also been used for biomarker profiling of the Kigelia africana fruit which are of increasing importance for its drug-like properties resulting from numerous secondary metabolites [ 60 ]. The study confirmed the presence of antioxidant molecules such as flavonoids and iridoids, and provided insights into the native lipid composition which may contribute to the biological activity of the fruit [ 60 ]. Numerous examples of economically motivated fraud have been documented in a wide range of botanicals, particularly herbs and spices [ 61 ].…”

Phytochemical Characterization of Rhus coriaria L. Extracts by Headspace Solid-Phase Micro Extraction Gas Chromatography, Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography, and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

“…Sumac has also counted as a source of natural dyes for the textile industry, yellow dye coming from young stems, brown from roots, black from leaves, and red from fruits. Especially bark and fruit preparations have been extensively used in popular medicine to obtain natural remedies against different affections such as eye and urinary tract infections, ulcer, diarrhea, and hepatic disorders [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. Recently, R. coriaria has also gained some interest for its ornamental features that could be of value in urban landscaping and gardening [ 8 ].…”