Integrated free radical/nitric oxide analyzer

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The proposal for a RTI grant is intended to purchase an Integrated Free Radical / Nitric Oxide Analyzer, which employs electrochemical (amperometric) principle for detection of redox-reactive species with high accuracy and sensitivity. It relates to the applicant's Discovery grant award (2003-2008, Plant Biology and Food Science), entitled "Photochemical preventive therapy for the preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables by induced resistance and delayed ripening". The applicant's research program in postharvest biology aims at establishing the physiological basis of induced resistance and delayed senescence responses of the postharvest tissue by hormic doses of UV radiation (hormesis is the stimulation of beneficial responses by low levels of stressors which are otherwise harmful). From a practical standpoint, it aims at exploiting the potential of UV-hormesis effectively as a practical means of preservation for fresh fruits and vegetables. Our pioneering work has shown that hormic UV treatment not only builds disease resistance in the produce but also delays ripening. To develop UV treatment as a practical means of fresh fruits and vegetables preservation, a fundamental understanding of the biological phenomena of UV-induced disease resistance and delayed ripening is required. A major aspect of this research is to gain an understanding of the molecular events that occur in the tissue following UV treatment. Several signal molecules including redox signals (H2O2 and NO), and hormonal signals salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ABA, ethylene and Ca2+ have been implicated in the modulation of plant responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses; and they are important in converting external signals into cellular response. Thus this research involves the characterization of stresses for their oxidative stress intensity and the determination of profiles of redox signals (H2O2 and NO). The Integrated Free Radical / Nitric Oxide Analyzer will be a valuable working tool for our research involving various stresses and interaction between them. It allows us to assay H2O2, NO as well as oxygen simultaneously in a given sample. A ready accessibility to the proposed equipment will improve productivity and progress of our research.