Unveiling the spatial distribution of aflatoxin B1 and plant defense metabolites in maize using AP?SMALDI mass spectrometry imaging

In order to cope with the presence of unfavorable compounds, plants can biotransform xenobiotics, translocate both parent compounds and metabolites, perform compartmentation segregation at cellular or tissue level. Such a scenario also applies mycotoxins, fungal secondary metabolites pre-eminent role in plant infection. this work, we aimed describe effect interplay between Zea mays (maize) aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) organ To address challenge, used atmospheric pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AP-SMALDI MSI) investigate biotransformation, localization subsequent effects AFB1 on primary metabolism healthy maize plants, situ from metabolomics standpoint. High spatial resolution (5 µm) provided fine AFB1, which was located within root intercellular spaces, co-localized its phase-I metabolite M2. We parallel visualization metabolic changes, induced different organs tissues by an accumulation AFB1. According our untargeted investigation, anthocyanin biosynthesis chlorophyll roots are most affected. The these appears be inhibited accumulation. On other hand, found above-ground suggest that may activate biochemical response absence actual infection; indeed, several known for their antimicrobial antioxidant activities were localized outer tissues, such as phenylpropanoids, benzoxazinoids, phytohormones lipids.