Applications of light scattering in microbiology
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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Measuring Spatially- and Directionally-varying Light Scattering from Biological Material
Published on: May 20, 2013
Abstract:
Applications of the three principal light scattering techniques of turbidimetry, differential light scattering, and quasi-elastic light scattering to systems of microorganisms are reviewed. The relation between the three techniques is demonstrated and it is shown how these techniques can yield basic structural, optical, and even hydrodynamic properties for a wide range of microorganisms, with particular emphasis on changes in such properties. Such applications include antibiotic susceptibility testing, the effects of inhibitors on trypanosome motility, spore structure, virus self-assembly, and bacterial motility on the surface of fermentation reactors.
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