MEPS 256:57-62 (2003)  -  doi:10.3354/meps256057

ABSTRACT: To study the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as a method of classification, we performed high-resolution magic angle spinning proton (HR MAS ¹H) NMR spectroscopy analysis of whole-cell samples of Dunaliella sp. (Chlorophyceae), Amphidinium carterae (Dinophyceae), Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira pseudonana (Bacillariophyceae). Emphasising the potential use of NMR spectroscopy as a routine analysis of microalgae we chose a straightforward procedure for culturing and harvesting, without extraction or radioactive labelling. We obtained well-resolved HR MAS ¹H NMR spectra from the 4 algae, despite the fact that our samples contained whole cells and some residual sea water. Selected parts of 5 replicate spectra from each microalga were used as input in 2 multivariate pattern-recognition strategies (principal component analysis and fuzzy clustering), both analyses showing clear grouping of the different species. Two spectra from a previous sample run (cultures grown under the same conditions) were also included, and both were correctly classified. We therefore consider HR MAS ¹H NMR spectroscopy to be a potential method of classification for microalgae, with statistical data processing indicating replicability and robustness of the method.

KEY WORDS: HR MAS ¹H NMR spectroscopy · Microalgae · Whole cell sample · Classification · Principal component analysis · Fuzzy clustering