A study on identification of bacteria in environmental samples using single-cell Raman spectroscopy: feasibility and reference libraries.

We report on our recent efforts towards identifying bacteria in environmental samples by means of Raman spectroscopy. We established a database of Raman spectra from bacteria submitted to various environmental conditions. This dataset was used to verify that Raman typing is possible from measurements performed in non-ideal conditions.

Single bacteria identification by Raman spectroscopy.

We report on rapid identification of single bacteria using a low-cost, compact, Raman spectroscope. We demonstrate that a 60-s procedure is sufficient to acquire a comprehensive Raman spectrum in the range of 600 to 3300 cm⁻¹. This time includes localization of small bacteria aggregates, alignment on a single individual, and spontaneous Raman scattering signal collection.

Solid-phase immobilized tripod for fluorescent renewable immunoassay. A concept for continuous monitoring of an immunoassay including a regeneration of the solid phase.

A new concept of immunoassay based on the use of a trifunctional reagent (tripod) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) phenomenon is described. This procedure involves differential steps: (1) the tripod bearing (i) a fluorophore, (ii) a molecule structurally close to the target, and (iii) a linker reacts with the solid phase; (2) the solid phase is further activated with an anti-target antibody labeled with a quencher molecule, generating the decrease of the fluorophore emission via FRET; (3) FRET being distance dependent, the presence of the target by competing with the tripod for binding the quencher-labeled antibody leads to a rise of the fluorescence signal; (4) the solid phase is reactivated simply, by adding the quencher-labeled antibody. This method was evaluated in microtiter plates using the susbtance P as model while fluorescein and TAMRA were used as donor and acceptor, respectively.