Driving Spectroscopy and Laser Physics toward Biological, Agricultural, and Medical Applications

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 29629

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (GPI RAS), 119991 Moscow, Russia
Interests: biophotonics; molecular biophysics; agrophysics; optical research methods; influence of physical factors on living systems; nanoparticles, nanodrops, nanobubbles in biology, medicine, ecology, and agriculture

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Spectroscopy and laser physics techniques combine high sensitivity and high time resolution with the capabilities of non-invasion sensing, creating significant potential for in situ and in vivo research in biology and medicine. Moreover, numerous photonics applications for biology, medicine, ecology, and agriculture have been triggered by new instruments developed in spectroscopy and laser physics research teams. Consequently, developing new sensing techniques will further forward the research of light and matter interaction in biological systems as well as open new ways for improving the efficiency of medicine procedures and/or developing new ways to enhance agriculture efficiency.

In this Research Topic, we aim to collect studies dealing with optical and laser spectroscopy techniques which forward the knowledge of biology and medicine with fundamental as well as new perspective applications of photonics studies for ecology, agriculture, and the food industry. The Research Topic focuses on but is not limited to spectroscopy and laser physics research for medicine and biology applications:

  • Laser spectroscopy sensing (scatterometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, interferometry, hyper-spectral imaging, etc.) techniques in both laboratory research and field measurements;
  • Optical and laser interaction with biological and medical targets;
  • Light and laser synthesis and modification of new materials (nanoparticles, nanotubes, etc.) valuable for biological systems as well as nanomaterials diagnostics inside such bioactive objects;
  • Laser spectroscopy (fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, interferometry, scatterometry, pump–probe);
  • Production (laser-based) and diagnostics (optics and spectroscopy) of nanomaterial for biological applications;
  • Application of spectroscopy and laser physics in medical, biological, environmental research, food industry, and agriculture;
  • Food industry, agriculture, medicine, ecology

Prof. Dr. Sergey Gudkov
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • laser spectroscopy
  • fluorescence spectroscopy
  • optical and infrared spectroscopy
  • terahertz spectroscopy
  • remote sensing
  • hyperspectral imaging
  • optical microscopy
  • applications for in situ or in vivo diagnostics in the food industry, agriculture, medicine, ecology, and biology

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1114 KiB  
Article
Design and Performance of a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Measurement System for In-Field Alfalfa Moisture Measurement
by Giovanni Gibertoni, Nicola Lenzini, Luca Ferrari and Luigi Rovati
Photonics 2022, 9(3), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9030178 - 12 Mar 2022
Viewed by 1869
Abstract
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is widely used in fruit and vegetable quality evaluations, usually after harvesting. In particular, the moisture content is a key parameter for determining product quality; processing phase, e.g., drying process; and economical value. NIRS methods are well-established for laboratory practices [...] Read more.
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is widely used in fruit and vegetable quality evaluations, usually after harvesting. In particular, the moisture content is a key parameter for determining product quality; processing phase, e.g., drying process; and economical value. NIRS methods are well-established for laboratory practices where the specimens are properly prepared and measurement conditions are well controlled. On the other hand, it is known that in-field NIRS measurements present several difficulties, as many influencing variables, such as mechanical vibrations, electrical and optical disturbances, and dust or dirt in general, can affect the spectral measurement. In this paper, we propose the design and present the prototype of a NIRS-based measuring system for the rapid determination of the moisture content of bales. The new system uses of a halogen lamp illumination unit to recover water absorption spectral data in the range of 900–1700 nm. The compact stainless steel body makes the instrument portable and easy to transport for rapid in-field MC measurements. The prototype system was characterized and its performance extensively evaluated in a laboratory environment. Finally, a preliminary test was carried out, where the moisture contents of 12 freshly harvested crops samples were measured using the partial least squares (PLSs) regression method. The obtained results show that our prototype system can estimate the alfalfa moisture content information with a coefficient of determination R2 of 0.985 and a root mean square relative error of estimation of 7.1%. Full article
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10 pages, 1670 KiB  
Article
Raman Spectroscopy Enables Non-Invasive Identification of Mycotoxins p. Fusarium of Winter Wheat Seeds
by Maksim N. Moskovskiy, Aleksey V. Sibirev, Anatoly A. Gulyaev, Stanislav A. Gerasimenko, Sergey I. Borzenko, Maria M. Godyaeva, Oleg V. Noy, Egor I. Nagaev, Tatiana A. Matveeva, Ruslan M. Sarimov and Alexander V. Simakin
Photonics 2021, 8(12), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8120587 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2444
Abstract
Identification of specific mycotoxins p. Fusarium contained in infected winter wheat seeds can be achieved by visually recognizing their distinctive phenotypic species. The visual identification (ID) of species is subjective and usually requires significant taxonomic knowledge. Methods for the determination of various types [...] Read more.
Identification of specific mycotoxins p. Fusarium contained in infected winter wheat seeds can be achieved by visually recognizing their distinctive phenotypic species. The visual identification (ID) of species is subjective and usually requires significant taxonomic knowledge. Methods for the determination of various types of mycotoxins of the p. Fusarium are laborious and require the use of chemical invasive research methods. In this research, we investigate the possibility of using Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a tag-free, non-invasive and non-destructive analytical method for the rapid and accurate identification of p. Fusarium. Varieties of the r. Fusarium can produce mycotoxins that directly affect the DNA, RNA and chemical structure of infected seeds. Analysis of spectra by RS methods and chemometric analysis allows the identification of healthy, infected and contaminated seeds of winter wheat with varieties of mycotoxins p. Fusarium. Raman seed analysis provides accurate identification of p. Fusarium in 96% of samples. In addition, we present data on the identification of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber and other nutrients contaminated with p. Fusarium seeds obtained using spectroscopic signatures. These results demonstrate that RS enables rapid, accurate and non-invasive screening of seed phytosanitary status. Full article
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9 pages, 3481 KiB  
Communication
Improving Calibration Strategy for LIBS Heavy Metals Analysis in Agriculture Applications
by Vasily N. Lednev, Pavel A. Sdvizhenskii, Mikhail Y. Grishin, Evgeny A. Nikitin, Sergey V. Gudkov and Sergey M. Pershin
Photonics 2021, 8(12), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8120563 - 09 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2102
Abstract
A new calibration procedure, known as mapping conditional-calibration laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), has been suggested to improve analysis results for heterogeneous samples. The procedure is based on LIBS elemental mapping, followed by signal conditioning in every sampling spot to skip signal outliers, then [...] Read more.
A new calibration procedure, known as mapping conditional-calibration laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), has been suggested to improve analysis results for heterogeneous samples. The procedure is based on LIBS elemental mapping, followed by signal conditioning in every sampling spot to skip signal outliers, then by finalizing the calibration curve construction. The suggested mapping conditional calibration procedure was verified for zinc analysis in soybean grist samples. The laser parameters correspond to those of the hand-held LIBS instrument in order to estimate the influence of sample surface heterogeneity under on-site analysis conditions. The laser spot (60 μm) was equal to or smaller than the typical size of grist particles (40–500 μm) but laser crater dimensions were significantly greater and varied widely (150–450 μm). The LIBS mapping of different spectral signals (atomic and ionic lines for major and minor components) was achieved. Elemental maps were normalized to achieve signal maps that were conditionally spotted to skip signal outliers. It was demonstrated that the suggested mapping conditional-calibration LIBS provided 15 ppm RMSECV for zinc determination in heterogeneous samples, which is typical for agricultural products. Full article
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17 pages, 2687 KiB  
Article
Applications of THz Spectral Imaging in the Detection of Agricultural Products
by Hongyi Ge, Ming Lv, Xuejing Lu, Yuying Jiang, Guofang Wu, Guangming Li, Li Li, Zhi Li and Yuan Zhang
Photonics 2021, 8(11), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8110518 - 17 Nov 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4073
Abstract
Agricultural products need to be inspected for quality and safety, and the issue of safety of agricultural products caused by quality is frequently investigated. Safety testing should be carried out before agricultural products are consumed. The existing technologies for inspecting agricultural products are [...] Read more.
Agricultural products need to be inspected for quality and safety, and the issue of safety of agricultural products caused by quality is frequently investigated. Safety testing should be carried out before agricultural products are consumed. The existing technologies for inspecting agricultural products are time-consuming and require complex operation, and there is motivation to develop a rapid, safe, and non-destructive inspection technology. In recent years, with the continuous progress of THz technology, THz spectral imaging, with the advantages of its unique characteristics, such as low energies, superior spatial resolution, and high sensitivity to water, has been recognized as an efficient and feasible identification tool, which has been widely used for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of agricultural production. In this paper, the current main performance achievements of the use of THz images are presented. In addition, recent advances in the application of THz spectral imaging technology for inspection of agricultural products are reviewed, including internal component detection, seed classification, pesticide residues detection, and foreign body and packaging inspection. Furthermore, machine learning methods applied in THz spectral imaging are discussed. Finally, the existing problems of THz spectral imaging technology are analyzed, and future research directions for THz spectral imaging technology are proposed. Recent rapid development of THz spectral imaging has demonstrated the advantages of THz radiation and its potential application in agricultural products. The rapid development of THz spectroscopic imaging combined with deep learning can be expected to have great potential for widespread application in the fields of agriculture and food engineering. Full article
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14 pages, 3679 KiB  
Article
Determination of Main Spectral and Luminescent Characteristics of Winter Wheat Seeds Infected with Pathogenic Microflora
by Alexey M. Bashilov, Igor Yu. Efremenkov, Mikhail V. Belyakov, Alexander V. Lavrov, Anatoly A. Gulyaev, Stanislav A. Gerasimenko, Sergei I. Borzenko and Andrey A. Boyko
Photonics 2021, 8(11), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8110494 - 04 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1642
Abstract
In connection with the constant growth of demand for high-quality food products, there is a need to develop effective methods for storing agricultural products, and the registration and predicting infection in the early stages. The studying of the physical properties of infected plants [...] Read more.
In connection with the constant growth of demand for high-quality food products, there is a need to develop effective methods for storing agricultural products, and the registration and predicting infection in the early stages. The studying of the physical properties of infected plants and seeds has fundamental importance for determining crop losses, conducting a survey of diseases, and assessing the effectiveness of their control (assessment of the resistance of crops and varieties, the effect of fungicides, etc.). Presently, photoluminescent methods for diagnosing seeds in the ultraviolet and visible ranges have not been studied. For research, seeds of winter wheat were selected, and were infected with one of the most common and dangerous diseases for plants—fusarium. The research of luminescence was carried out based on a hardware–software complex consisting of a multifunctional spectrofluorometer “Fluorat-02-Panorama”, a computer with software “Panorama Pro” installed, and an external camera for the samples under study. Spectra were obtained with a diagnostic range of winter wheat seeds of 220–400 nm. Based on the results obtained for winter wheat seeds, it is possible to further develop a method for determining the degree of fusarium infection. Full article
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13 pages, 2352 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Milk from Different Sources Based on Light Propagation and Random Laser Properties
by Nur Ain Insyirah Muhamad Kamil, Wan Zakiah Wan Ismail, Irneza Ismail, Juliza Jamaludin, Nur Syaida Hanasil and Raja Kamarulzaman Raja Ibrahim
Photonics 2021, 8(11), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8110486 - 30 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2238
Abstract
Milk is a valuable contributor to a healthy diet as it contains nutritional components such as fats, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins. This research aimed to differentiate milk from animal, plant and human sources based on light propagation and random-laser properties. Experimental, [...] Read more.
Milk is a valuable contributor to a healthy diet as it contains nutritional components such as fats, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins. This research aimed to differentiate milk from animal, plant and human sources based on light propagation and random-laser properties. Experimental, statistical and theoretical analyses were used. Light propagation in different types of milk such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, fresh milk, goat milk and human breast milk was measured using the spectrometry method. Near-IR and visible light transmission through the diluted milk samples were compared. Soy milk and fresh milk have the highest absorbance and fluorescence of light, respectively, due to a high content of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Principal component analysis was used to determine the accuracy of the experimental results. The research method is comprehensive as it covers light propagation from 350 nm to 1650 nm of wavelength range and non-intrusive as it does not affect the sample. Meanwhile, analysis of milk was also conducted based on random-laser properties such as multiple emission peaks and lasing threshold. Higher fat content in milk produces a lower random lasing threshold. Thus, we found that milk from animals, plants and humans can be analyzed using light absorption, fluorescence and random lasers. The research method might be useful for future study of milk contaminants that change the properties of milk. Full article
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14 pages, 3177 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Non-Invasive Monitoring of Fresh-Cut Lettuce Condition with Imaging Reflectance Hyperspectrometer and Imaging PAM-Fluorimeter
by Boris Shurygin, Olga Chivkunova, Olga Solovchenko, Alexei Solovchenko, Alexey Dorokhov, Igor Smirnov, Maxim E. Astashev and Dmitriy Khort
Photonics 2021, 8(10), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8100425 - 03 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2122
Abstract
We compared two approaches to non-invasive proximal sensing of the early changes in fresh-cut lettuce leaf quality: hyperspectral imaging and imaging of variable chlorophyll fluorescence contained in the leaves. The estimations made by the imaging techniques were confronted with the quality assessments made [...] Read more.
We compared two approaches to non-invasive proximal sensing of the early changes in fresh-cut lettuce leaf quality: hyperspectral imaging and imaging of variable chlorophyll fluorescence contained in the leaves. The estimations made by the imaging techniques were confronted with the quality assessments made by traditional biochemical assays (i.e., relative water content and foliar pigment (chlorophyll and carotenoid) composition. The hyperspectral imaging-based approach provided the highest sensitivity to the decline of fresh-cut lettuce leaf quality taking place within 24 h from cutting. Using of the imaging pulse-amplitude modulated PAM chlorophyll fluorometer was complicated by (i) weak correlation of the spatial distribution pattern of the Qy parameter with the actual physiological condition of the plant object and (ii) its high degree of heterogeneity. Accordingly, the imaging PAM-based approach was sensitive only to the manifestations of leaf quality degradation at advanced stages of the process. Sealing the leaves in polyethylene bags slowed down the leaf quality degradation at the initial stages (<three days) but promoted its rate at more advanced stages, likely due to build-up of ethylene in the bags. An approach was developed to the processing of hyperspectral data for non-invasive monitoring of the lettuce leaves with a potential for implementation in greenhouses and packing lines. Full article
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9 pages, 1804 KiB  
Communication
Remote Laser Induced Fluorescence of Soils and Rocks
by Vasily N. Lednev, Alexey F. Bunkin, Sergey M. Pershin, Mikhail Ya. Grishin, Diana G. Artemova, Vladimir A. Zavozin, Pavel A. Sdvizhenskii and Raul A. Nunes
Photonics 2021, 8(10), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8100411 - 26 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2341
Abstract
The laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy was systematically utilized for remote sensing of different soils and rocks for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy measurements were carried out by the developed nanosecond LIDAR instrument with variable excitation [...] Read more.
The laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy was systematically utilized for remote sensing of different soils and rocks for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy measurements were carried out by the developed nanosecond LIDAR instrument with variable excitation wavelength (355, 532 and 1064 nm). LIDAR sensing of different Brazil soil samples have been carried out in order to construct a spectral database. The laser induced fluorescence spectra interpretation for different samples has been discussed in detail. The perspectives of LIDAR sensing of organic samples deposited at soils and rock have been discussed including future space exploration missions in the search for extraterrestrial life. Full article
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14 pages, 4785 KiB  
Article
Laser Fluorescence and Extinction Methods for Measuring the Flow and Composition of Milk in a Milking Machine
by Vladimir V. Kirsanov, Alexey V. Shkirin, Dmitriy Yu. Pavkin, Dmitry N. Ignatenko, Georgy L. Danielyan, Artyom R. Khakimov and Nikolai F. Bunkin
Photonics 2021, 8(9), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8090390 - 14 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2145
Abstract
Automation of milking systems is linked to accurate measurement of fluctuations in milk flow during milking. To assess the fluctuations of the milk flow, the formation and movement of milk portions in the milking machine-milk pipeline system was studied. By considering the movement [...] Read more.
Automation of milking systems is linked to accurate measurement of fluctuations in milk flow during milking. To assess the fluctuations of the milk flow, the formation and movement of milk portions in the milking machine-milk pipeline system was studied. By considering the movement of a milk plug along the milk pipeline, a hydraulic model of the formation of a critical volume of milk in the milking machine manifold was compiled. In practice, the most expedient way of determining milk flow parameters may be to measure the laser fluorescent and extinction responses of moving air-milk mixture. We have implemented a new laser sensing method for measuring the flow rate and composition of milk on the basis of counting the optical response pulses received from moving dispersed components by a CCD array or a randomized fiber optic bundle. Using the developed laser sensors, the theoretical model of milk flow was tested. Full article
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Review

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35 pages, 861 KiB  
Review
Application of Optical Quality Control Technologies in the Dairy Industry: An Overview
by Dmitriy E. Burmistrov, Dmitriy Y. Pavkin, Artyom R. Khakimov, Dmitry N. Ignatenko, Evgeniy A. Nikitin, Vasily N. Lednev, Yakov P. Lobachevsky, Sergey V. Gudkov and Andrei V. Zvyagin
Photonics 2021, 8(12), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8120551 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3465
Abstract
Sustainable development of the agricultural industry, in particular, the production of milk and feed for farm animals, requires accurate, fast, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. Currently, there is a rapid development of a number of analytical methods and approaches that meet these requirements. Infrared [...] Read more.
Sustainable development of the agricultural industry, in particular, the production of milk and feed for farm animals, requires accurate, fast, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. Currently, there is a rapid development of a number of analytical methods and approaches that meet these requirements. Infrared spectrometry in the near and mid-IR range is especially widespread. Progress has been made not only in the physical methods of carrying out measurements, but significant advances have also been achieved in the development of mathematical processing of the received signals. This review is devoted to the comparison of modern methods and devices used to control the quality of milk and feed for farm animals. Full article
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17 pages, 331 KiB  
Review
Role of Pascalization in Milk Processing and Preservation: A Potential Alternative towards Sustainable Food Processing
by Muhmmad Farhan Jahangir Chughtai, Muhammad Adil Farooq, Syeda Aiman Ashfaq, Sonia Khan, Adnan Khaliq, Sergey Antipov, Maksim Rebezov, Mars Khayrullin, Alla Vorobeva, Elena Nelyubina, Muthu Thiruvengadam and Mohammad Ali Shariati
Photonics 2021, 8(11), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8110498 - 08 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3452
Abstract
Renewed technology has created a demand for foods which are natural in taste, minimally processed, and safe for consumption. Although thermal processing, such as pasteurization and sterilization, effectively limits pathogenic bacteria, it alters the aroma, flavor, and structural properties of milk and milk [...] Read more.
Renewed technology has created a demand for foods which are natural in taste, minimally processed, and safe for consumption. Although thermal processing, such as pasteurization and sterilization, effectively limits pathogenic bacteria, it alters the aroma, flavor, and structural properties of milk and milk products. Nonthermal technologies have been used as an alternative to traditional thermal processing technology and have the ability to provide safe and healthy dairy products without affecting their nutritional composition and organoleptic properties. Other than nonthermal technologies, infrared spectroscopy is a nondestructive technique and may also be used for predicting the shelf life and microbial loads in milk. This review explains the role of pascalization or nonthermal techniques such as high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric field (PEF), ultrasound (US), ultraviolet (UV), cold plasma treatment, membrane filtration, micro fluidization, and infrared spectroscopy in milk processing and preservation. Full article
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