Press Release:
Using a portable spectroradiometer to estimate lignin content

Lawrence, MA – August 16, 2017 – Determining the amount of lignin in plant cell walls is important for plant breeding, genetic engineering, analysis of biomass as a fuel source, classification of forages, and the wood pulping process. Lignin is essential for mechanical support, water transport and disease resistance in plants.

Using a field spectroradiometer such as the Spectral Evolution PSR+™, a researcher can get an estimate of lignin content in the field or in a lab. Lignin is a polymer of phenylpropanoid and accounts for 10 to 35% of dry weight of plants and acts as a barrier to decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose. NIR spectroscopy provides a useful tool for lignin measurement with key absorption features at 1120, 1143, 1200, 1420, 1450, 1680, 1930, 2050-2140, 2270, 2330, 2380 and 2500nm. All spectra taken by the PSR+ are stored as ASCII files for use with other third party software that includes R, ENVI, and various chemometrics software programs.

The PSR+ is a full range, UV-VIS-NIR instruments with high resolution and low noise. DARWin™ SP Data Acquisition software is included with every instrument. The PSR+ provides the field researcher with the option of using direct attach lenses for standoff measurements or a fiberoptic cable with FOV lenses, a contact probe, sphere, pistol grip, our unique leaf clip and other accessories. The PSR+ offers auto-exposure, auto-dark correction, and auto-shutter for one touch operation.

By measuring lignin, process decisions can be made before pulping, biomass can be characterized for use as fuel, and different species with lower lignin content can be planted for forage.

For more information, visit:
http://www.spectralevolution.com/applications_lignin.html

About SPECTRAL EVOLUTION
Established in 2004, SPECTRAL EVOLUTION is a leading manufacturer of laboratory and handheld portable spectrometers, spectroradiometers and spectrophotometers. SPECTRAL EVOLUTION spectrometers are used worldwide for many mission-critical lab and field applications in mining, remote
sensing, vegetative studies, ground truthing, environmental and climate studies, developing satellite calibrations, and more, due to their reliable, robust, rugged design and user-friendly one-touch features.

SPECTRAL EVOLUTION maintains a facility in Lawrence, Massachusetts which houses design, prototyping, manufacturing and service facilities for the instruments that it markets and sells worldwide, either through direct sales, OEM sales or through distributor agents.

Press Contact
Nicolas Venjean
Marketing & Sales
978-687-1833
Nicolas.Venjean@spectralevolution.com
SPECTRAL EVOLUTION
26 Parkridge Road, Suite 104
Haverhill, MA 01835 USA
www.spectralevolution.com