Imprint Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (IDESI-MSI) Reveals Absorption of Triclopyr-Based Herbicide in Plants and Mouse Organs

Background: Understanding the absorption and distribution of herbicides in plants and animal tissues is essential for assessing their potential risks to human health. Method: In this study, we employed imprint desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (IDESI-MSI) to visualize in b...

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Main Authors: Hanzhi Liu, Yunshuo Tian, Ruolun Wei, Yifan Meng, Richard N. Zare
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Metabolites
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/15/7/437
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Summary:Background: Understanding the absorption and distribution of herbicides in plants and animal tissues is essential for assessing their potential risks to human health. Method: In this study, we employed imprint desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (IDESI-MSI) to visualize in both vegetable and animal tissues the absorption of Roundup which is a widely used herbicide. Results: Using IDESI-MSI with a pixel size of 150 µm, we detected the herbicide alongside several endogenous metabolites on oil-absorbing films applied to carrot sections. Time-course experiments revealed progressive herbicide penetration into carrot tissue, with penetration depth increasing linearly over time at a rate of approximately 0.25 mm/h. In contrast, green pepper samples showed minimal herbicide infiltration, likely owing to their hydrophobic cuticle barrier. Additionally, mice fed with herbicide-treated carrots exhibited detectable levels of herbicide in liver and kidney tissues. Conclusions: These findings highlight the utility of IDESI-MSI as a powerful analytical platform for the rapid evaluation of chemical migration and absorption in food and biological systems, with important implications for food safety and toxicological research.
ISSN:2218-1989