Visualizing fungal metabolites during mycoparasitic interaction by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging

Abstract

Studying microbial interactions by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) directly from growing media is a difficult task if high sensitivity is demanded. We present a quick and robust sample preparation strategy for growing fungi (Trichoderma atroviride, Rhizoctonia solani) on glass slides to establish a miniaturized confrontation assay. By this we were able to visualize metabolite distributions by MALDI MSI after matrix deposition with a home-built sublimation device and thorough recrystallization. We present for the first time MALDI MSI data for secondary metabolite release during active mycoparasitism.

Keywords: Fungal communication; MALDI MSI; Mycoparasitism; Peptaibiotics; Rhizoctonia; Trichoderma.