Abstract
AimsWe sought to develop a novel experimental system which enabled application of iodinated contrast media to in vivo plant roots intact in soil and was compatible with time-resolved synchrotron X-ray computed tomography imaging. The system was developed to overcome issues of low contrast to noise within X-ray computed tomography images of plant roots and soil environments, the latter of which can complicate image processing and result in the loss of anatomical information.MethodsTo demonstrate the efficacy of the system we employ the novel use of both synchrotron X-ray computed tomography and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping to capture the translocation of the contrast media through root vasculature into the leaves.ResultsWith the application of contrast media we identify fluid flow in root vasculature and visualise anatomical features, which are otherwise often only observable in ex vivo microscopy, including: the xylem, metaxylem, pith, fibres in aerenchyma and leaf venation. We are also able to observe interactions between aerenchyma cross sectional area and solute transport in the root vasculature with depth.ConclusionsOur novel system was capable of successfully delivering sufficient contrast media into root and leaf tissues such that anatomical features could be visualised and internal fluid transport observed. We propose that our system could be used in future to study internal plant transport mechanisms and parameterise models for fluid flow in plants.
Highlights
X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a commonly employed technique for biomedical imaging research (Kalender 2006), and it is increasingly used for nondestructive 3D imaging of plant root and soil systems (Mooney et al 2012; Roose et al 2016)
We explored the synchrotron Xray computed tomography (SRXCT) imaging of maize roots which had been partially submerged in iodinated contrast media whilst the remainder of the root material remained in soil
The experimental system used for the imaging of roots in soil consisted of two main components: a 3D printed top chamber and, connected to the base of this top chamber, a root growth channel constructed from 1 mL syringe barrels (Fig. 1)
Summary
X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a commonly employed technique for biomedical imaging research (Kalender 2006), and it is increasingly used for nondestructive 3D imaging of plant root and soil systems (Mooney et al 2012; Roose et al 2016). In biomedical imaging non-ionic iodinated contrast media are commonly used since they possess several favourable traits (Lusic and Grinstaff 2013). Non-ionic iodinated contrast media are highly soluble and possess a viscosity similar to water (Lusic and Grinstaff 2013). This is advantageous when the contrast media is to be used in organic tissues and when the intention is to utilise the contrast media in time-resolved studies where excessive toxic effects resulting from the reactivity of the contrast media could damage tissues over time and alter tissue structures
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