Applications of light scattering in microbiology

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.