Laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging as a new tool for accessing patulin diffusion in mold-infected fruits

• Published in: Food chemistry 2022-03, Vol.373 (Pt B), p.131490-131490, Article 131490
• Main Authors: da Silva Lima, Gesiane, Franco dos Santos, Gabriel, Ramalho, Ruver Rodrigues Feitosa, de Aguiar, Deborah Victoria Alves, Roque, Jussara Valente, Maciel, Lanaia Itala Louzeiro, Simas, Rosineide Costa, Pereira, Igor, Vaz, Boniek Gontijo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ambient Mass Spectrometry; Fruit; LAESI; Laser Therapy; Malus; Mass Spectrometry Imaging; MCR-ALS; Mycotoxins; Patulin; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131490

[Display omitted] •First-time LAESI imaging was employed to predict the location and diffusion of patulin in fruits.•LAESI imaging experiments do not require sample preparation.•LAESI images confirmed the diffusion of patulin from the rotten area to unaffected parts of the fruits.•This study provides a new method for the rapid detection and location of patulin in fruits. This work describes the use of laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (LAESI imaging) to investigate the diffusion of the mycotoxin patulin from rotten to healthy areas of fruits. Slices of mold-infected and uninfected (control) apples and strawberries were prepared, and this was the only sample preparation step used. An infrared laser beam (2.94 μm) was used to irradiate the slices, resulting in the ablation of sample compounds directly ionized by electrospray and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Multivariate curve resolution – alternating least squares was applied in unfolded LAESI images to obtain relative quantity information. Patulin was not detected in the control samples but was seen in all mold-infected fruits. LAESI images showed the diffusion of patulin from the rotten area to unaffected parts of the fruits. This study points out the advantage of LAESI imaging over traditional analytical methods used to study the diffusion of mycotoxins in fruits.