Detection of Lipid Peroxidation-Derived Free Azelaic Acid, a Biotic Stress Marker and Other Dicarboxylic Acids in Tobacco by Reversed-Phase HPLC-MS Under Non-derivatized Conditions

Azelaic acid (AzA, 1,9-nonadienoic acid) is a nine-carbon chain (C9) dicarboxylic acid with multiple and diverse functions in humans and plants. In plants this compound was suggested as a marker for lipid peroxidation under biotic and abiotic stress conditions and an inducer (priming agent) of plant immunity (acquired resistance). Detection methods for AzA in plants include a wide range of methodological approaches. This new and simple reversed-phase HPLC-MS protocol describes the measurement of AzA and other dicarboxylic acids either from tobacco leaf tissue or petiolar exudates (vascular sap) of plants under non-derivatized conditions.