Visualization of Spatial Distribution of γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Eggplant (Solanum melongena) by Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry

We applied imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to determine the spatial distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). We found that GABA had a specific localization in seeds. We also visualized various biomolecules as well as GABA with higher spatial resolution than in the previous report. Our work suggests that IMS might be a powerful tool for exploring functional food factors, investigating the specific distribution of nutrients in unused natural resources, and evaluating the quality of functional foods.