Raman chemical imaging technology for food and agricultural applications

Authors: Qin, Jianwei - Tony Qin; Kim, Moon; Chao, Kuanglin - Kevin Chao; CHO, BYOUNG-KWAN - Chungnam National University

Submitted to: Journal of Biosystems Engineering
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/14/2017
Publication Date: 9/7/2017
Citation: Qin, J., Kim, M.S., Chao, K., Cho, B. 2017. Raman chemical imaging technology for food and agricultural applications. Journal of Biosystems Engineering. 42(3):170-189.

Interpretive Summary: During the past decade, Raman chemical imaging (RCI) technology has been developed rapidly owing to the growing interests from both academia and industry. The RCI technology has been investigated recently in the agricultural area to accommodate for food analysis. This paper presents the RCI technology for food and agricultural applications. Emphasis is put on introducing and demonstrating RCI techniques for practical uses in food analysis. The main topics include Raman scattering principles, Raman spectroscopy measurement techniques, Raman image acquisition methods, Raman imaging instruments and calibration methods, and Raman image processing and analysis techniques. Raman chemical imaging applications for food safety and quality inspection are also reviewed to reflect the status of the current RCI techniques. This paper provides fundamental and practical information for the state-of-the-art RCI technology, which will benefit researchers who have interest in developing and using the RCI techniques for food safety and quality applications.

Technical Abstract: This paper presents Raman chemical imaging technology for inspecting food and agricultural products. The paper puts emphasis on introducing and demonstrating Raman imaging techniques for practical uses in food analysis. The main topics include Raman scattering principles, Raman spectroscopy measurement techniques (e.g., backscattering Raman spectroscopy, transmission Raman spectroscopy, and spatially offset Raman spectroscopy), Raman image acquisition methods (i.e., point-scan, line-scan, and area-scan methods), Raman imaging instruments (e.g., excitation sources, wavelength separation devices, detectors, imaging systems, and calibration methods), and Raman image processing and analysis techniques (e.g., fluorescence correction, mixture analysis, target identification, spatial mapping, and quantitative analysis). Raman chemical imaging applications for food safety and quality evaluation are also reviewed.