Micro-Hyperspectral Imaging of Single-Cell Phytoplankton Reflectance Characterization with a Proof-of-Concept Application to Spaceborne Spectral Unmixing

Using laboratory cultures measured with a dark-enhanced hyperspectral microscopy system, we established a reproducible workflow for acquiring high-quality reflectance spectra from individual cells and colonies with high spectral fidelity, reduced background interference, and controlled illumination. This approach provides a robust foundation for characterizing taxon-specific spectral traits, defining hyperspectral endmembers, and establishing phytoplankton spectral libraries. Given the lack of a standardized baseline for comparison, we further evaluated variations in spectral reflectance magnitude and shape together with HPLC pigment measurements and absorption analyses to interpret the spectral features and validate the measured reflectance spectra