Monitoring a metabolic profile of wheat by using FTIR spectroscopy and chemometric methods — concept studies

Changes in plants under the influence of a variety of chemical and physical factors are reflected in metabolomic changes. To date, there are very few methods that would allow studying metabolic changes occurring in single cells. Spectroscopic methods especially combined with the chemometrics methods are a very good tool to investigate such changes in metabolomics. Tracking changes in plants is of particular importance in industry, especially when studying how the use of fertilizers affects plants. In this paper, we present preliminary research as concept of proof to examine whether the use of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) helps to monitor the changes in the metabolomic profile of the plants. For preliminary research, four species of cereals and cuckooflower were used. In this step, it was possible to verify the differences in metabolites that are produced by plants belonging to different families. Then one species of grain was selected and subjected to eleven different physical and chemical factors. Next, the research was expanded to determine the optimal concentration of hydrogen peroxide. FTIR spectra of leaves and extracts of the plants were obtained for all experimental groups and then analyzed with the use of chemometric methods: HCA (Hierarchical Component Analysis) and PCA (Principal Component Analysis). Those methods were used to help in the interpretation of metabolic changes resulting in the plant in response to external factors.