Multidirectional Analysis of Plant Alkaloids Using MS Imaging and OAD-TOF System

User Benefits

- By combining the iMScope QT and OAD-TOF systems, it is possible to perform distribution analysis through MS imaging and structural analysis via OAD-MS/MS. - The combination of OAD-MS/MS with CID-MS/MS for structural analysis is expected to enable more accurate identification of compounds.

Introduction

Plant alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that contain nitrogen atoms and are widely distributed in plants, known for their pharmacological activities. Many alkaloids exhibit toxicity and function as defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens. Well-known examples include morphine obtained from poppies (used as a pain reliever) and quinine derived from the bark of the cinchona tree (used for malaria treatment). Other noteworthy alkaloids include caffeine, nicotine, and atropine. These compounds play crucial roles in medicine, agriculture, and the economy, and research on alkaloids is essential for the development of new drugs and the understanding of plant biology. In this study, we used the iMScope QT and OAD-TOF systems to perform distribution analysis of potato plant alkaloids through mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and structural analysis by combining a unique new fragmentation technique called Oxygen Attachment Dissociation (OAD) with traditional Collision Induced Dissociation (CID).

March 10, 2026 GMT