A Novel Spectroscopic Instrument for the Rapid Identification of Live and Dead Bacteria

The rapid detection and assessment of bacterial infections is of critical significance in various settings. Currently, the “gold standard” for the quantification of bacterial species is Colonies Forming Units (CFU) counting, which requires extensive equipment, personnel, and time (on the order of days). Such a procedure is rather unfeasible and detrimental in scenarios requiring prompt, in-situ diagnosis. To that effect, a rapid, portable means for detecting and assessing bacterial infections would prove invaluable. In this research, a novel spectroscopic instrument capable of fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy was designed and constructed. This instrument was employed to record the fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, and Raman spectra of bacteria, bacterial components, mixtures, and other molecules. We have utilized this instrument to determine the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on bacteria and bacterial components. Principal component analysis (PCA) was also applied to identify bacterial strains and distinguish live (viable) and dead (nonviable) bacteria within minutes. This novel, portable instrument may be used in hospitals, clinics, or the field for the rapid detection and identification of live and dead bacteria