Towards in vivo chemical imaging of epicuticular waxes

Epicuticular waxes, which are found on the outer surface of plant cuticles, are difficult to study in vivo. To monitor the growth, development and structural alterations of epicuticular wax layers, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) might be used. CARS, as a Raman based technique, not only provides structural insight but also chemical information by imaging the spatial distribution of Raman-active vibrations. Here, we present a comparative study using CARS and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the structure of epicuticular waxes. The ability of CARS to provide detailed structural information on the biologically important wax layer was detailed on the examples of Prunus laurocerasus, Hoya carnosa and Monstera sp. aff. deliciosa Liebm. We anticipate that the work presented will open a doorway for online monitoring of formation and alterations of epicuticular wax layers. 1 present address: Leiden University; Institute of Biology Leiden; Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology; BE Leiden, The Netherlands *Corresponding author: email [email protected] The surface of plants has a variety of functions. Between the inner leaf area and the environment the exchange of air, nutrition and information is managed through the plant surface. The surface of land plant leaves is covered by epicuticular waxes. These epicuticular waxes reflect UV radiation, remove contaminations via the lotus effect, and disturb the Plant Physiology Preview. Published on August 13, 2010, as DOI:10.1104/pp.110.161786 Copyright 2010 by the American Society of Plant Biologists