Detection of spores using electric field-assisted FTIR-ATR.

An approach that integrates an electric field with an attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) flow through cell was used to detect spores in aqueous environments. A "proof of concept" in terms of the principle features of the method is described. It is shown that under an electric field, the negatively charged spores migrate and are concentrated on the surface of a ZnSe internal reflection element (IRE).