Direct analysis for the distribution of toxic glycoalkaloids in potato tuber tissue using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging

A simple and rapid analytical method for detection and spatial distribution of glycoalkaloids in potato tubers has been developed for the first time using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-MSI). For effective MALDI-MSI analysis, we have developed a uniform matrix coating method using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB) as the preferred matrix which results in better sensitivity than 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone (2,4,6-THAP) using MALDI-TOF. The relative concentrations of two major and two minor glycoalkaloids, α-chaconine and α-solanine, dehydrochaconine and dehydrosolanine, were clearly detected and distinguished in various parts of potato tuber and their relative amounts were directly compared. We also successfully showed the relative concentrations of glycoalkaloids that were accumulated by light exposure during storage using MALDI-MSI. Therefore, MALDI-MSI has been shown to be a useful technique for screening toxic and bioactive metabolites in foods and medicinal plants.