Prof. Dr. Søren Husted

I work at the interface between plant science and advanced elemental bioimaging, with a long standing focus on LA ICP MS and complementary mass spectrometric techniques that allow us to visualize, at high spatial resolution, how mineral elements, trace metals and engineered nanoparticles move through and interact with plant cells and tissues. These imaging capabilities have transformed our ability to study ion transport pathways, nanoparticle transformations and the mechanisms by which chemical and nanostructured fertilizers influence plant metabolism. Building on this imaging foundation, my research group investigates the fundamental processes that control the acquisition, internal redistribution, and metabolic functions of mineral elements in plants. A major current focus is the integration of nanotechnology with plant science, enabling us to track nanoparticle dissolution, mobility, and biochemical reactivity inside leaves and roots, and to apply this knowledge to the design of next generation, highly efficient fertilizers with improved nutrient use characteristics.