Cellular and Subcellular Level Localization of Maize Lipids and Metabolites Using High-Spatial Resolution MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Abstract

Recent technological advances have pushed the achievable spatial resolution for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to cellular and subcellular levels. Direct visualization of maize tissues by this tool has provided key insights into the localization of metabolites and lipids. This chapter outlines methodology for sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis of maize tissue sections using high-spatial resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-MSI, as well as the incorporation of a multi-resolution optical system, which allows for simple inter-conversion between different resolution setups (5, 10, and 50 μm imaging).

Keywords: High-spatial resolution; Lipids; MALDI; Mass spectrometry imaging; Metabolites.