Soft X-rays radiation damage on plunge-frozen and freeze-dried maize roots evaluated by FTIR spectromicroscopy

The radiation damage issue consequent to soft X-rays’ exposure is still an important aspect to be contemplated in soft X-ray microscopy. The work presented here is part of a more extended investigation on the topic and targets the effects of soft X-rays exposure on plant tissues.

The aftermaths of soft X-rays’ exposure were evaluated by FTIR spectromicroscopy by comparing irradiated and non-irradiated areas on similar plant structural features, one day and ten days after irradiation, to highlight also a possible time-dependent behavior consequent to air exposure.

Our results show partial degradation of lignocellulosic complex and oxidation of cellulose and most probably of hemicellulose; lignin moiety of cell walls in vascular tissue however remains stable.

Comparing the current study with our previous works it appears that, as expected, plant tissues seem less prone to soft X-rays radiation damage compared to mammalian cells or tissues.