Differentiation of basidiospores by MALDI-TOF lipid profiling

• Lipid profiles of six basidiospores were obtained with MALDI-TOF MS.
• Sample preparation strategies of the MALDI analyses were optimized.
• Phospholipids, diacylglycerols, and triacylglycerols were observed.

Lipid profiles of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, have been studied intensively and have shown great potential for species differentiation. However, lipid profiles of basidiospores are seldom reported in the literature. In this study, the MALDI-TOF mass spectra of lipids extracted from basidiospores of Auricularia auricula, Agaricus bisporus, Hypsizygus marmoreus, Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Volvariella volvacea were obtained using a laboratory-built MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, equipped with an aerodynamic lens assembly as a direct deposition interface. The sample preparation strategies included matrices, solvents, and analyte/matrix ratios, which were optimized to acquire reproducible and informative mass spectra of lipid mixtures. Phospholipids, diacylglycerols, and triacylglycerols were observed by mixing the lipid extracts with equal volumes of 2,4-DHB/methanol solution (10 mg/mL). Species-specific lipid profiles of basidiospores were obtained. The experimental results demonstrate that the lipid profiles can be used to differentiate basidiospores.

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