Classification of pollen species using autofluorescence image analysis

J Biosci Bioeng. 2009 Jan;107(1):90-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2008.10.001.

Abstract

A new method to classify pollen species was developed by monitoring autofluorescence images of pollen grains. The pollens of nine species were selected, and their autofluorescence images were captured by a microscope equipped with a digital camera. The pollen size and the ratio of the blue to red pollen autofluorescence spectra (the B/R ratio) were calculated by image processing. The B/R ratios and pollen size varied among the species. Furthermore, the scatter-plot of pollen size versus the B/R ratio showed that pollen could be classified to the species level using both parameters. The pollen size and B/R ratio were confirmed by means of particle flow image analysis and the fluorescence spectra, respectively. These results suggest that a flow system capable of measuring both scattered light and the autofluorescence of particles could classify and count pollen grains in real time.

MeSH terms

  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Fluorescence
  • Fluorescent Dyes / pharmacology
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Particle Size
  • Pollen / chemistry
  • Pollen / classification*
  • Pollen / genetics*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / methods*

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes