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Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Non-contact, Label-free Monitoring of Cells and Extracellular Matrix using Raman Spectroscopy
Published on: May 29, 2012
Differentiating Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP cells in suspensions and biofilms using Raman spectroscopy and scanning
Victoria A Henry1, Julie L P Jessop1, Tonya L Peeples2
1Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, 4133 Seamans Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
Abstract:
High quality spectra of Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP in the planktonic and biofilm state were obtained using Raman microspectroscopy. These spectra enabled the identification of key differences between free and biofilm cells in the fingerprint region of Raman spectra in the nucleic acid, carbohydrate, and protein regions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enabled detailed visualization of ADP biofilm with confirmation of associated extracellular matrix structure. Following extraction and Raman analysis of extracellular polymeric substances, Raman spectral differences between free and biofilm cells were largely attributed to the contribution of extracellular matrix components produced in mature biofilms. Raman spectroscopy complemented with SEM proves to be useful in distinguishing physiological properties among cells of the same species. Graphical Abstract Raman spectroscopy complemented with SEM proves to be useful in distinguishing physiological properties among cells of the same species.
