Investigating distributions and changes of alkaloids in living Catharanthus roseus under low-phosphorus stress using wooden-tip electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry

Abstract

Introduction: Vinca alkaloids are important sources for producing anticancer drugs from Catharanthus roseus. The phosphorus of soil is one of crucial factors for planting C. roseus.

Objectives: We aim to develop an in vivo sampling technique coupled with direct mass spectrometry with wooden tip for investigating distributions and changes of alkaloids in flowers, leaves, stems, veins and roots of living C. roseus under low-phosphorus stress.

Materials and methods: Living C. roseus were prepared under low-phosphorus stress (n = 10) and control conditions (n = 10). Wooden-tip electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and conventional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were applied to analyse living C. roseus and extracts of C. roseus, respectively.

Results: Distributions and changes of serpentine, vindoline, catharanthine, and anhydrovinblastine in living C. roseus under low-phosphorus stress and control conditions were successfully obtained.

Conclusion: Compared to control soil conditions, low-phosphorus soil was found to induce C. roseus to generate more serpentine but less catharanthine and vindoline in leaves, veins, stems and roots, and to generate more anhydrovinblastine in flowers, leaves, stems and roots. Overall, our results showed a simple, rapid, and effective method for in vivo sampling and direct analysis of living plants.

Keywords: Catharanthus roseus; alkaloid; direct sample analysis; in vivo sampling; wooden-tip electrospray ionisation.