High-resolution characterization of aspen greenhouse samples

The challenge

SilviScan was originally intended for analysing increment cores from large diameter trees. However, for rapid investigations of the effects of genes and environmental variables on small-diameter greenhouse aspen trees, new, more efficient, work routines were needed to be able to make high-resolution measurements with SilviScan and imaging NIR. 

The solution

In this project, efficient sample preparation routines and measurement methodologies were developed to analyse greenhouse samples with the highest possible efficiency. With SilviScan, methods were developed to do physical characterization, while methods were developed to determine both chemical and physical properties across the entire stem cross section with imaging NIR. NIR models for physical properties are based on SilviScandata, while NIR models for chemical content are based on pyrolysis GC / MS (gas chromatography / mass spectrometry) data.

Result

Via sample preparation methods that solve both the requirements from SilviScan and imaging NIR instruments at the same time, these analyzes can now be done in the shortest possible time. The project was funded by the Bio4Energy research program.