Steffen Weidner1, Rolf-Dieter Schultze, Bernd Enthaler. 1. BAM-Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Richard Willstaetter-Strasse 11, D-12489, Berlin, Germany. steffen.weidner@bam.de
Abstract
RATIONALE: The fast and univocal identification of different species in mixtures of pollen grains is still a challenge. Apart from microscopic evaluation and Raman spectroscopy, no other techniques are available. METHODS: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry was applied to the analysis of extracts of single pollen grains and pollen mixtures. Pollen grains were fixed, treated and covered with matrix directly on the MALDI target. RESULTS: Clearly resolved MALDI ion intensity images could be obtained enabling the identification of single pollen grains in a mixture. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the potential and the suitability of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry as an additional method for the identification of pollen mixtures.
RATIONALE: The fast and univocal identification of different species in mixtures of pollen grains is still a challenge. Apart from microscopic evaluation and Raman spectroscopy, no other techniques are available. METHODS: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry was applied to the analysis of extracts of single pollen grains and pollen mixtures. Pollen grains were fixed, treated and covered with matrix directly on the MALDI target. RESULTS: Clearly resolved MALDI ion intensity images could be obtained enabling the identification of single pollen grains in a mixture. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the potential and the suitability of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry as an additional method for the identification of pollen mixtures.