Potential and limits of Raman spectroscopy for carotenoid detection in microorganisms: implications for astrobiology.

ABSTRACT: In this paper, it is demonstrated how Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect different carotenoids as possible biomarkers in various groups of microorganisms. The question which arose from previous studies concerns the level of unambiguity of discriminating carotenoids using common Raman microspectrometers. A series of laboratory-grown microorganisms of different taxonomic affiliation was investigated, such as halophilic heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria, the anoxygenic phototrophs, the non-halophilic heterotrophs as well as eukaryotes (Ochrophyta, Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta). The data presented show that Raman spectroscopy is a suitable tool to assess the presence of carotenoids of these organisms in cultures. Comparison is made with the high-performance liquid chromatography approa

SUBMITTER: Jehlicka J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4223861 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature