Abstract

Several techniques have been used to identify and classify plants. We proposed Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, together with hierarchical cluster analysis, as a rapid and noninvasive technique to differentiate plants based on their leaf fragments. We applied this technique to three different genera, namely, <i>Ranunculus</i> (Ranunculaceae), <i>Acantholimon</i> (Plumbaginaceae), and <i>Astragalus</i> (Leguminoseae). All of these genera are angiosperms and include a large number of species in Turkey. <i>Ranunculus</i> and <i>Acantholimon</i> have ornamental importance, while <i>Astragalus</i> is an important pharmaceutical genus. The FT-IR spectra revealed dramatic differences, which indicated the variations in lipid metabolism, carbohydrate composition, and protein conformation of the genera. Moreover, cell wall polysaccharides including diverse groups could be identified for each genus. <i>Acantholimon</i> was found to have the highest hydrogen capacity in its polysaccharide and proteins. A higher lignin content and a lower occurrence of decarboxylation and pectin esterification reactions were appointed for <i>Ranunculus</i> and <i>Astragalus</i> compared to <i>Acantholimon</i>. All these results suggested that FT-IR spectroscopy can be successfully applied to differentiate genera, as demonstrated here with <i>Ranunculus</i>, <i>Astragalus,</i> and <i>Acantholimon</i>. In addition, we used this technique to identify the same species from different geographical regions. In conclusion, the current FT-IR study presents a novel method for rapid and accurate molecular characterization and identification of plants based on the compositional and structural differences in their macromolecules.

Detection of colonic inflammation with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using a flexible silver halide fiber

Vinay K. Katukuri, John Hargrove, Sharon J. Miller, Kinan Rahal, John Y. Kao, Rolf Wolters, Ellen M. Zimmermann, and Thomas D. Wang
Biomed. Opt. Express 1(3) 1014-1025 (2010)

Fourier transform spectroscopy of LaS in the infrared

R. J. Winkel, Sumner P. Davis, and Mark C. Abrams
Appl. Opt. 35(16) 2874-2878 (1996)

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: recent developments

Peter R. Griffiths
Appl. Opt. 17(9) 1315-1317 (1978)

Photoacoustic phase-controlled Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

Santeri Larnimaa, Mikhail Roiz, and Markku Vainio
Opt. Continuum 2(3) 564-578 (2023)

Quantum Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the fingerprint region

Yu Mukai, Ryo Okamoto, and Shigeki Takeuchi
Opt. Express 30(13) 22624-22636 (2022)