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Melissopalynological methodologies for investigating honey samples - a critical approach
Aline Nunes1, Cleiciane Rita2, João Vitor Bromer2
1Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Fitotecnia, Laboratório de Morfogênese e Bioquímica Vegetal - LMBV, Rodovia Admar Gonzaga, 1346, Itacorubi, 88034-000 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias
|November 28, 2024
Summary
This study compared melissopalynological methods for honey analysis. Alcian blue and basic fuchsin dyes offer cost-effective, safer alternatives to traditional acetolysis for identifying pollen and botanical families.
Area of Science:
- Palynology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Science
Background:
- Melissopalynology, the study of pollen in honey, is crucial for determining honey origin and quality.
- Traditional methods like acetolysis are effective but involve toxic chemicals, are time-consuming, and costly.
- There is a need for safer, more efficient, and cost-effective melissopalynological techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare different melissopalynological methodologies for analyzing polyfloral honey.
- To assess the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of dye-based protocols versus traditional acetolysis.
Main Methods:
- Three melissopalynological protocols were applied to polyfloral honey samples.
- Methods included alcian blue dye, basic fuchsin dye, and traditional acetolysis (without dye).
- Pollen samples were analyzed using optical microscopy to identify botanical families.
Main Results:
- All investigated methodologies successfully detected pollen structures and identified six botanical families (Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae).
- The alcian blue dye protocol demonstrated superior separation and discrimination of pollen grains compared to basic fuchsin and acetolysis.
- Pollen conglomerates were frequently observed in basic fuchsin and acetolysis methods.
Conclusions:
- Alcian blue and basic fuchsin dye-based methods are efficient and viable alternatives to acetolysis for melissopalynology.
- These dye-based protocols offer advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and reduced preparation time.
- Alcian blue provides enhanced pollen grain separation, aiding in more precise identification.
