Comparison of fluorescence spectroscopy and FTIR in differentiation of plant pollens.

Spectroscopic techniques are under investigation on possibility of differentiation of airborne particles. This paper describes pollen discrimination among others bio-particles in laboratory conditions. Pollen samples were characterized with UV–Vis fluorescence, drift and KBr pellet techniques of infrared spectroscopy. Principal Component Analysis of UV–Vis fluorescence and FTIR spectra revealed that pollens can be distinguished from other bio-materials with use of these methods. Both methods resulted in similar classification capability. Combined FTIR and fluorescence data analysis did not improve the discrimination between pollen allergens and other airborne biological materials.