CD BioSciences is a leading provider of cutting-edge spectroscopy solutions for biodiversity assessment and environmental monitoring. We leverage the power of spectroscopic techniques to accurately and efficiently identify biological species, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts, ecological research, and environmental management.
Fig 1. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Machine learning for sustainable wood sourcing and species Identification (Akanksha S.,
et al., 2024)
Introduction to Spectroscopy for Species Identification
Spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that exploits the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter to identify and characterize different substances. In the context of biological species identification, spectroscopy analyzes the unique spectral fingerprints of molecules within organisms, enabling rapid and accurate species discrimination. This non-destructive method offers significant advantages over traditional identification methods, which often rely on morphological features or DNA analysis, which can be time-consuming, costly, and require specialized expertise.
Technical Principles
Every species possesses a unique molecular composition, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. These molecules interact with light in specific ways, absorbing, scattering, or transmitting different wavelengths. The resulting spectral pattern serves as a unique fingerprint for each species. By analyzing these spectral fingerprints and comparing them to established databases, we can accurately identify different organisms.
Technical Features
- Non-destructive: Spectroscopy allows for the analysis of valuable or limited samples without causing damage, preserving the integrity of the specimen.
- Rapid and Efficient: Spectral analysis can be performed quickly, enabling high-throughput screening and identification of species, even in complex environmental samples.
- Versatile: Spectroscopic techniques can be applied to various sample types, including plant tissues, microorganisms, animal tissue, and environmental samples like soil and water.
- Minimal Sample Preparation: In many cases, minimal sample preparation is required, reducing the time and effort needed for analysis.
- Cost-effective: Compared to traditional methods like DNA sequencing, spectroscopy offers a cost-effective solution for large-scale species identification.
- High Accuracy: With robust spectral databases and advanced algorithms, spectroscopy provides high accuracy in species discrimination.
Technical Classification
We utilize a range of spectroscopic techniques tailored to specific applications and sample types, including:
- Raman Spectroscopy: This technique measures the inelastic scattering of light when it interacts with a sample. The resulting Raman spectrum provides information about the vibrational modes of molecules, offering a highly specific fingerprint for species identification.
- Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy: NIR spectroscopy measures the absorption and scattering of light in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This technique is particularly useful for analyzing organic materials and has been widely employed for species identification in various environmental applications.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: FTIR spectroscopy measures the absorption of infrared radiation by a sample. This technique provides information about the functional groups present in molecules, which can be used to identify species and analyze their chemical composition.
Applications Across Diverse Sectors
Rapidly assess species richness and diversity in various ecosystems. Monitor changes in species composition over time. Identify and track invasive species. Support conservation efforts by providing accurate species data.
- Environmental Monitoring:
Analyze soil and water samples to identify microbial communities. Detect pollutants and contaminants in environmental samples. Monitor the impact of environmental changes on species composition.
- Agriculture and Forestry:
Identify plant species and assess their health. Detect plant diseases and pests. Analyze soil quality and nutrient content.
- Biosecurity and Forensics:
Identify unknown biological materials. Detect the presence of pathogens or biohazards. Support forensic investigations by analyzing biological evidence.
Environmental Benefits
- Reducing reliance on traditional methods: Minimizes the need for chemical reagents and complex procedures associated with traditional identification methods.
- Promoting non-destructive sampling: Allows for repeated analysis of valuable specimens without causing harm.
- Enabling rapid and efficient data collection: Facilitates timely decision-making for conservation and environmental management.
- Supporting research and innovation: Provides valuable data for ecological studies and the development of sustainable solutions.
Our Services
Our services are designed to support a wide range of applications, from environmental conservation to medical diagnostics. Here is a detailed look at the services we provide:
- Microorganism Identification: We use Raman spectroscopy to rapidly identify and classify microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, without the need for culturing. This service is invaluable for environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnostics.
- Plant and Animal Species Identification: Our Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy services can be used to analyze the biochemical composition of plant and animal tissues, enabling the identification of species based on their unique spectral fingerprints.
- DNA and Protein Analysis: We offer services that utilize UV-Visible spectroscopy to analyze the secondary structure of proteins and the composition of nucleic acids, aiding in the identification of genetic material from different species.
- Cell Line Authentication: For the biopharmaceutical industry, we provide services to authenticate cell lines used in the production of biological drugs, ensuring the purity and consistency of the cell cultures.
- Microbial Forensics: Our spectroscopic methods are employed to trace the origins of microbial contamination, providing valuable insights for forensic investigations in environmental and public health incidents.
- Eukaryotic Microorganism Differentiation: We use fluorescence spectroscopy to differentiate between eukaryotic microorganisms, such as yeasts and molds, which is crucial for quality control in food and pharmaceutical industries.
- Metabolite Profiling: Our services include metabolite profiling using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which helps in understanding the metabolic pathways of different species and their responses to environmental changes.
- Protein-Ligand Interaction Analysis: We provide services to analyze the interactions between proteins and their ligands using techniques like Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, which is essential for drug discovery and development.
Distinctive Service Features
- Precision and Accuracy: Our spectroscopic methods offer high precision and accuracy in species identification, reducing the likelihood of misidentification.
- Speed and Efficiency: We provide rapid results, enabling swift decision-making in response to environmental or health threats.
- Non-Invasive and Non-Destructive: Our techniques are non-invasive and non-destructive, allowing for the preservation of samples for further analysis.
- Customized Solutions: We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of our clients, offering flexible and targeted solutions for various applications.
Contact Us
By harnessing the power of spectroscopy, we are committed to providing the highest quality services for the identification of biological species, supporting our clients in their pursuit of scientific discovery and environmental stewardship. Please contact us for more information.
How to Place an Order
Reference
- Akanksha S, Suraj G., et al "ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Machine learning for sustainable wood sourcing and species Identification: Applications to wood forensics" Microchemical Journal 2024, 200:110467.
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
Spectroscopy
