Detection of residual microbial biomarkers in bacterial cellulose using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy

Petr Larionov ¹, Nikolay Maslov ², Natalia Pogorelova ³

⁰Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics n.a. Ya.L. Tsivyan, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia.

Spectrochimica Acta. Part a, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy +

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January 16, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy rapidly detects microbial contamination in bacterial cellulose (BC). This method offers a faster alternative to traditional purity tests, aiding biotechnological applications.

Area Of Science

Biomaterials Science
Analytical Chemistry
Microbiology

Background

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a valuable biomaterial for medical uses.
Microbial contaminants and residues limit BC's clinical applications.
Current purity tests for BC are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy for monitoring microbial contamination in BC.
To assess the effectiveness of different purification protocols on BC contamination.
To establish a correlation between LIF and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSM) data.

Main Methods

Bacterial cellulose (BC) samples from Medusomyces gisevii were purified using alkaline, detergent, and oxidative treatments.
Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra were recorded (220-290 nm excitation) and analyzed chemometrically.
Samples were also examined using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSM) for comparison.

Main Results

LIF spectra revealed tryptophan and tyrosine fluorescence, indicating microbial residues in native and treated BC.
NaOH treatment reduced tryptophan signals; hydrogen peroxide diminished tyrosine signals, but neither eliminated them completely.
LIF showed strong correlation with LSM data, enabling rapid differentiation of treatment variants and identification of residual contamination.

Conclusions

LIF spectroscopy is a feasible method for rapid and reliable monitoring of microbial contamination in bacterial cellulose.
Spectral fingerprints obtained via LIF can indicate the presence and type of residual contamination.
Standardizing LIF protocols could integrate this technique into biotechnological workflows for efficient contamination assessment.

Keywords:

Bacterial cellulose Contamination Decontamination Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy Purification Purity