Data from: Characterizing aeroallergens by infrared spectroscopy of fungal spores and pollen

Background: Fungal spores and plant pollen cause respiratory diseases in
susceptible individuals, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and
hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Aeroallergen monitoring networks are an
important part of treatment strategies, but unfortunately traditional
analysis is time consuming and expensive. We have explored the use of
infrared spectroscopy of pollen and spores for an inexpensive and rapid
characterization of aeroallergens. Methodology: The study is based on
measurement of spore and pollen samples by single reflectance attenuated
total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SR-ATR FTIR).
The experimental set includes 71 spore (Basidiomycota) and 121 pollen
(Pinales, Fagales and Poales) samples. Along with fresh basidiospores, the
study has been conducted on the archived samples collected within the last
50 years. Results: The spectroscopic-based methodology enables clear
spectral differentiation between pollen and spores, as well as the
separation of confamiliar and congeneric species. In addition, the
analysis of the scattering signals inherent in the infrared spectra
indicates that the FTIR methodology offers indirect estimation of
morphology of pollen and spores. The analysis of fresh and archived spores
shows that chemical composition of spores is well preserved even after
decades of storage, including the characteristic taxonomy-related signals.
Therefore, biochemical analysis of fungal spores by FTIR could provide
economical, reliable and timely methodologies for improving fungal
taxonomy, as well as for fungal identification and monitoring. This proof
of principle study shows the potential for using FTIR as a rapid tool in
aeroallergen studies. In addition, the presented method is ready to be
immediately implemented in biological and ecological studies for direct
measurement of pollen and spores from flowers and sporocarps.