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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

In Situ Measurement and Correlation of Cell Density and Light Emission of Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: June 28, 2018
[Effect of tririum on growth and bioluminescence of P. phosphoreum bacteria]
Abstract:
Effect of tritium labeled amino acid valine (0.3-1.0 MBq/ml) on luminous bacteria P. Phosphoreum was studied. The amino acid was used as a nutrient medium for the bacteria. Tritium was found to suppress bacterial growth, but stimulate luminescence: luminescence intensity, quantum yield and time of light-emitting were increased. Activation of the luminescent function is explained by redistribution of electronic density at beta-decay, and affecting biochemical processes in the bacterial media. Effects of alpha- and beta-radiation on luminous bacteria are compared.
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