A Resonance Raman Method for the Rapid Detection and Identification of Bacteria in Water

Resonance Raman spectra are reported for 16 types of carotene-containing bacteria and algae in aqueous dispersion. Spectra are obtained with ease from organisms grown in culture and collected by centrifugation. In many instances spectra produced with 488 nm incident radiation are sufficiently unique to provide a basis for identification. While most information is contained in the 900 to 1600 cm−1region, several bacteria exhibit pronounced carotenoid overtone and combination bands which can be assigned along with the fundamental vibrations.