Localization and Composition of Fructans in Stem and Rhizome of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul

Methodology combining mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with ion mobility separation (IMS) has emerged as a biological technique due to its versatility, sensitivity and label-free approach. This been shown separate isomeric compounds such lipids, amino acids, carboxylic acids carbohydrates. report describes in combination traveling-wave matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Positive ionization mode was used locate fructans on tissue printed sections of Agave rhizome stem distinguished fructan isoforms. Here we show the location ranging from DP3 DP17 be differentially abundant across for first time, experimental collision cross endogenous structures have collected, revealing at least two isoforms DP4, DP5, DP6, DP7, DP8, DP10, DP11. demonstrates that complex agavins can located their resolved using MALDI, IMS, MSI, without need extraction or derivatization. Use this methodology uncovered patterns localization consistent functional differences where higher DP are found toward central section supporting role long term carbohydrate storage whereas lower concentrated highly vascularized core rhizomes mobilization carbohydrates mother plant developing offsets. Tissue specific expression genes encoding enzymes involved metabolism localization.