Qualitative Analysis and Phenotyping with Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

Currently one of the biggest dilemmas facing the world is the ability of food production to meet the challenges of the ever-increasing world population. Currently there is over a billion people suffering from malnutrition, either from poor quality or lack of food. Nutrient content of food can be determined by a variety of methods which have issues such as slow analysis or sample destruction. Our lab has demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy (RS), a spectroscopic method, can also be used to assess nutrient content of maize (Zea mays), one of the most widely cultivated grain in the world. Using a hand-held Raman spectrometer, we predicted the content of carbohydrates, fibers, carotenoids and proteins in six different varieties of maize. This analysis requires only a single maize kernel and it is fast (1s), portable, non-invasive and non-destructive. Moreover, we showed that RS in combination with chemometric methods can be used for highly accurate (approximately 90%) spectroscopic typing of maize, which is important for plant breeders and farmers. Our next step is to try and build a standard curve for accurate measure of nutrient content using Raman. If this technology can be calibrated, we can further use technology to our advantage by using Raman systems on combines and grain elevators to perform mass scans to determine grain quality.