Detection of Penicillin G Produced by Penicillium chrysogenum with Raman Microspectroscopy and Multivariate Curve

Shumpei Horii1,2, Masahiro Ando3,4, Ashok Zachariah Samuel3

  • 1Department of Advanced Science Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan.

Insights

Raman microspectroscopy detected penicillin G within fungal cells. This technique, using multivariate analysis, maps molecular distribution and aids in screening bioactive compound production by microorganisms.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Microbiology
  • Spectroscopy

Background:

  • Raman microspectroscopy offers label-free molecular identification.
  • Analyzing complex biological samples requires advanced data processing.
  • Understanding intracellular compound localization is crucial for optimizing production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the detection and subcellular localization of penicillin G in *Penicillium chrysogenum* KF425 using Raman microspectroscopy.
  • To apply multivariate curve resolution by alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS) for analyzing complex spectral data from fungal cells.
  • To explore the potential of this methodology for screening microbial bioactive compound production.

Main Methods:

  • Raman microspectroscopy was employed for non-invasive molecular analysis.
  • Multivariate curve resolution by alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS) was used to resolve overlapping spectral signatures.
  • Spatial distribution of molecules, including penicillin G, proteins, and lipids, was mapped within fungal cells.

Main Results:

  • Penicillin G was successfully detected inside *Penicillium chrysogenum* KF425 fungal cells.
  • The subcellular localization of penicillin G was observed.
  • Spatial distribution of proteins and lipids within the fungal cells was also determined.
  • MCR-ALS effectively extracted individual molecular spectra from complex cellular environments.

Conclusions:

  • Raman microspectroscopy combined with MCR-ALS is a powerful tool for analyzing molecular composition and distribution in microbial cells.
  • This approach enables the visualization of bioactive compound localization at the subcellular level.
  • The methodology holds significant potential for high-throughput screening of microorganisms for enhanced production of valuable compounds.