Non-destructive detection of polysaccharides and moisture in Ganoderma lucidum using near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning algorithm

Ganoderma lucidum, the fruiting body of the Poraceae fungi G. lucidum or Ganoderma sinense, has a long history of use in promoting health and longevity in Asian countries. However, traditional methods for detecting poly-saccharides and moisture in G. lucidum are complicated, time-consuming, and damaging (to the sample). In this study, rapid and nondestructive near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (700-2500 nm) was uesd to directly scan the back of the G. lucidum cap without powdering. Thereafter, we used synergy interval partial least squares to select the performing band and the ant lion optimization (ALO) algorithm to optimize the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model for these two components. The results showed that the ALO-LSSVM model could predict the total polysaccharide and moisture content with high accuracy. The correlation coefficient for calibration were both >0.9 and their ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) values of prediction were 2.6 and 3.6, respec-tively, indicating the non-destructive determination of polysaccharides and moisture in G. lucidum will provide great convenience for on-site testing by procurement personnel. This shows the combination of NIR spectroscopy and the ALO-LSSVM algorithm has potential applications for the rapid and nondestructive analysis of natural products.

Automated summary

In this study, a rapid and nondestructive method using near-infrared spectroscopy and the ALO-LSSVM algorithm was developed for the determination of polysaccharides and moisture content in Ganoderma lucidum. The results showed that this method can accurately predict the content of polysaccharides and moisture, providing convenience for on-site testing by procurement personnel.