A Basic Study to Assess the Potential Usefulness of Resonance Raman Spectroscopy as a Means of Rapidly Detecting and Identifying Bacteria and other Microorganisms.
Abstract
This past year we have explored the potential uses of Resonance Raman and Fluorescence Lifetime Spectroscopies in the rapid characterization of bacteria. Previously we have shown that chromobacteria can be distinguished on the basis of distinctive resonance Raman spectra. Spectra are excited by low power argon ion laser radiation at 488 nm and are due to the presence of carotenoid pigments. While carotenoid pigments in bacteria generally are not useful for identification purposes, the study of chromobacteria has allowed us to assess the potential sensitivity of resonance Raman spectroscopy in this application. We were able to laser illuminate and count two types of bacteria under a microscope. Because it was possible to see the laser excited bacteria while the resonance Raman spectra were being obtained, it was possible to estimate closely the number of bacteria producing a given spectrum. Such high sensitivity suggests but does not prove that spectra are 'surface enhanced'. It is clear that the resonance Raman technique can be highly sensitive and our experiments suggest that remote detection and detection from mixtures is possible in principle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA153549
Entities
People
- W. H. Nelson
Organizations
- University of Rhode Island