An in vivo fluorescence imaging approach for real-time monitoring of ROS-associated oxidative responses in harvested lettuce leaves
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in postharvest quality and senescence of fresh produce, yet their real-time monitoring in intact tissues remains challenging. In this study, we developed and evaluated an in vivo fluorescence imaging approach for monitoring ROS dynamics in whole harvested lettuce leaves using the ROS-sensitive probe 2’, 7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H 2 DCF-DA). The stability of the probe and the sensitivity of the imaging system were first assessed under a tissue-free condition. Subsequently, the method was applied to whole lettuce leaves subjected to exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) or ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiations at doses of 0.85, 1.71 and 3.42 kj/m 2 . A strong and stable fluorescence signal in the presence of H 2 O 2 under tissue-free conditions was observed, confirming probe reactivity and the system detection sensitivity. Exogenous H 2 O 2 application in whole lettuce leaves, resulted in a progressive increase in ROS-associated fluorescence, whereas UV-C irradiation induced a rapid and dose-dependent fluorescence response followed by a gradual decline, indicative of a transient oxidative burst and subsequent redox regulation. These findings demonstrate that in vivo fluorescence imaging is a sensitive and non-invasive tool for real-time monitoring of ROS in harvested produce. This approach offers new perspectives for investigating oxidative stress dynamics relevant to postharvest quality management of fruits and vegetables.
Source: Frontiers in Plant Science
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7222965705