Research

Our main research focus is to understand the uptake and distribution of various xenobiotics such as pesticides or antibiotics in plants. For this purpose, we perform hydroponic plant uptake studies where the plant is in direct contact with a nutrient solution containing the compounds of interest.

Using HPLC-HRMS/MS, we aim to quantify the amount of pesticides and their metabolites in plant compartments (roots, shoots) to gain insight into analyte-specific translocation and metabolism pathways in the plant.

Using MALDI-mass spectrometric imaging (MSI), we are able to elucidate the distribution of environmental contaminants (pesticides, antibiotics) in individual plant organs on the µm-scale. The first step is the preparation of thin sections of plant organs in the cryostat, followed by automated matrix application. Laser desorption of the ionized target compounds at the micrometer scale generates a complete mass spectrum for each position of the sample. This allows us to create images showing the intensity of target compounds in different parts of the plant section, giving an even deeper insight into the uptake/distribution of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds.

Cross section of coriander root neck at different stages of the MALDI-MSI experiment with the final ion image of arginine superimposed on the microscope image shown on the last picture.