In a scientific breakthrough for the Tshwane University of Technology, the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences became the first facility in South Africa to install the Xevo G3with a DESI XS mass spectrometry imaging system.
Prof Alvaro Viljoen.
According to Prof Alvaro Viljoen, National Research Chair (DSI-NRF) in Phytomedicine, Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) is a powerful and novel analytical technique that has several advantages for application in the field of Phytomedicine research.
“One of the key advantages of obtaining the Xevo G3 mass spectrometry system is that using this cutting-edge equipment and technique requires minimal sample preparation compared to other analytical techniques. This is particularly beneficial in Phytomedicine research, where samples may be complex mixtures of plant extracts or polyherbal formulations. DESI allows for the direct analysis of solid, liquid, or semi-solid samples without the need for extensive sample pre-treatment with results typically obtained within minutes,” Prof Viljoen said.
As DESI offers high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the detection and identification of trace levels of bioactive compounds in complex matrices, which is critical for the research conducted in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “This sensitivity is crucial in herbal drugs research, where researchers often need to detect low-abundance phytochemicals or trace contaminants in herbal products. Overall, DESI is a valuable analytical tool in Phytomedicine research due to its ability to provide rapid, sensitive, and selective analysis of complex plant-derived samples with minimal sample preparation requirements.” Prof Viljoen added.
“Having partnered with the National Research Foundation (NRF), we were able to procure this cutting-edge technology by means of the National Equipment Program (NEP) that makes funds available to support the acquisition, upgrade or the development of state-of-the-art research equipment. For this, I also have to commend my team of students and fellow colleagues, as the awarding of funds involves a competitive peer review process for these major items of equipment that support multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research and usually requires significant capital investment,” concluded Prof Viljoen.