Rapid differentiation among bacteria that cause gastroenteritis by use of low-resolution Raman spectroscopy and PLS discriminant analysis

Use of classical microbiological methods to differentiate bacteria that cause gastroenteritis is cumbersome but usually very efficient. The high cost of reagents and the time required for such identifications, approximately four days, could have serious consequences, however, mainly when the patients are children, the elderly, or adults with low resistance. The search for new methods enabling rapid and reagentless differentiation of these microorganisms is, therefore, extremely relevant. In this work the main microorganisms responsible for gastroenteritis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, and Shigella flexneri, were studied. For each microorganism sixty different dispersions were prepared in physiological solution. The Raman spectra of these dispersions were recorded using a diode laser operating in the near infrared region. Partial least-squares (PLS) discriminant analysis was used to differentiate among the bacteria by use of their respective Raman spectra. This approach enabled correct classification of 100% of the bacteria evaluated and unknown samples from the clinical environment, in less time (∼10 h), by use of a low-cost, portable Raman spectrometer, which can be easily used in intensive care units and clinical environments.     

A Vibrational Raman Optical Activity Study of 1,1′‐Binaphthyl Derivatives

The Raman polarized and vibrational Raman optical activity (VROA) backward spectra are simulated for a series of 2,2′‐substituted 1,1′‐binaphthyl compounds presenting a variety of torsion angles between the two naphthalene rings. The substitution prevents free rotation along this torsion angle and the chirality of these compounds is thus called atropisomerism. However, the rotation is not completely frozen so that two different conformations, namely cisoid and transoid, are found and their Raman and VROA signatures are studied. As expected, the Raman spectra are not very sensitive whereas the VROA spectra present more complex patterns, which evolve as a function of the torsion angle between the two naphthalene groups. In particular, our analysis shows that some modes can be used as a probe for the determination of the torsion angle of these molecules in solution. The contributions of both invariants to the VROA backward intensity are also assessed.     

Surface-enhanced raman scattering from poly(4-vinyl pyridine)

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been observed for poly(4-vinyl pyridine) absorbed onto silver island films. Bands near 1219 and 1613 cm^?1, which are weak in normal Raman spectra of PVP, are strong in SERS spectra, and the band near 1020 cm^?1, which is the strongest band in the normal spectra, is relatively weak in SERS. The strongest bands in the SERS spectra all belong to the same symmetry species as α_ZZ, implying that the pyridine moieties are adsorbed through the nitrogen atoms with a vertical conformation. The ring breathing mode of the pyridine rings is observed near 1020 cm^?1, a frequency characteristic of pyridinium ions or coordinated pyridine, providing further evidence for adsorption through the nitrogen atoms. Silver catalyzed photooxidation, which can lead to the appearance of artifacts in SERS spectra, particularly of polymers, can be reduced by overcoating SERS samples with thin films of polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) that have low Raman scattering cross sections.     

In situ Detection of Amide A Bands of Proteins in Water by Raman Ratio Spectrum

The amide A band of protein is sensitive to the hydrogen bands of amide groups of proteins. However, it is hard to distinguish the amide A band of aqueous protein in situ directly, since it overlaps with O-H stretching vibration of water. In this work, we presented a new analytical method of Raman ratio spectrum, which can extract the amide A band of proteins in water. To obtain the Raman ratio spectrum, the Raman spectrum of aqueous protein was divided by that of pure water. A mathematical simulation was employed to examine whether Raman ratio spectrum is effective. Two kinds of protein, lysozyme and α-chymotrypsin were employed. The amide A bands of them in water were extracted from Raman ratio spectra. Additionally, the process of thermal denaturation of lysozyme was detected from Raman ratio spectrum. These results demonstrated the Raman ratio spectra could be employed to study the amide A modes of proteins in water.     

Laser Raman spectroscopy of polyacrylamide

The Raman spectra of polyacrylamide and its covalently crosslinked gel (with N,N′-methylenebis-acrylamide as the crosslinking agent) in the region of 200–3600 cm^?1 are discussed. The vibrational band assignments for polyacrylamide are made on the basis of a comparison with the spectra of acrylamide, acrylic acid, polyacrylic acid, poly(vinyl alcohol), and other vinyl polymers. The Raman spectra of polyacrylamide in the solid phase and in aqueous solution have similar spectral features. The Raman spectra of gels with low crosslink content and of polyacrylamide in aqueous solution are comparable except that one new band, predominantly due to the residual monomer, appears in the gel phase. An analysis based on polarized Raman, infrared and NMR spectra, model building, and group theoretical calculations suggests a structure dominated by isotactic species.     

Symmetry and selection rules in the Raman spectra of carbon nanotubes

The symmetry of achiral single-walled (n,0) and (n,n) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was examined and the frequencies and types of vibrations allowed in the Raman spectra were calculated. The vibrational spectrum was evaluated as the eigenvalues of the dynamical matrix at the -point of the Brillouin zone. The selection rules for the Raman active vibrations were estimated by the values of the matrix elements responsible for the intensities of corresponding vibrational transitions. The (n,n)-CNTs with even and odd n values are characterized by five and six allowed Raman active vibrations, respectively. The number of Raman active vibrations for (n,0)-CNTs is five if n is even and eight if n is odd. Detailed analysis of the results obtained is presented for the (10,10)-CNT as an example.     

Imaging the cell wall of living single yeast cells using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

The surface of a living yeast cell (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain W303-1A) has been labeled with silver (Ag) nanoparticles that can form nanoaggregates which have been shown to have surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. The cell wall of a single living yeast cell has been imaged by use of a Raman microspectroscope. The SERS spectra measured from different Ag nanoaggregates were found to be different. This can be explained on the basis of detailed spectral interpretation. The SERS spectral response originates from mannoproteins which cover the outermost regions of the yeast cell wall. Analysis of SERS spectra from the cell wall and the extracted mannoproteins from the yeast has been performed for the clarification of variation in SERS spectra.     

Development of a Fiber Optic Probe to Measure NIR Raman Spectra of Cervical Tissue In Vivo

The goal of this study was to develop a compact fiber optic probe to measure near infrared Raman spectra of human cervical tissue in vivo for the clinical diagnosis of cervical precancers. A Raman spectrometer and fiber optic probe were designed, constructed and tested. The probe was first tested using standards with known Raman spectra, and then the probe was used to acquire Raman spectra from normal and precancerous cervical tissue in vivo. Raman spectra of cervical tissue could be acquired in vivo in 90 s using incident powers comparable to the threshold limit values for laser exposure of the skin. Although some silica signal obscured tissue Raman bands below 900 cm^-1, Raman features from cervical tissue could clearly be discerned with an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio above 900 cm^-1. The success of the Raman probe described here indicates that near infrared Raman spectra can be measured in vivo from cervical tissues. Increasing the power of the excitation source could reduce the integration time to below 20 s.     

Raman spectroscopic study of bacterial endospores

Endospores and endospore-forming bacteria were studied by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra were recorded from Bacillus licheniformis LMG 7634 at different steps during growth and spore formation, and from spore suspensions obtained from diverse Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains cultured in different conditions (growth media, temperature, peroxide treatment). Raman bands of calcium dipicolinate and amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine are more intense in the spectra of sporulating bacteria compared with those of bacteria from earlier phases of growth. Raman spectroscopy can thus be used to detect sporulation of cells by a characteristic band at 1,018 cm^–1 from calcium dipicolinate. The increase in amino acids could possibly be explained by the formation of small acid-soluble proteins that saturate the endospore DNA. Large variations in Raman spectra of endospore suspensions of different strains or different culturing conditions were observed. Next to calcium dipicolinate, tyrosine and phenylalanine, band differences at 527 and 638 cm^–1 were observed in the spectra of some of the B. sporothermodurans spore suspensions. These bands were assigned to the incorporation of cysteine residues in spore coat proteins. In conclusion, Raman spectroscopy is a fast technique to provide useful information about several spore components. Figure A difference spectrum between Raman spectra of B. licheniformis LMG 7634 cultured for 6 days and 1 day, together with the reference Raman spectrum of calcium dipicolinate     

Quality control of food with near-infrared-excited Raman spectroscopy

Summary The former considerable handicap of Raman spectroscopy in the visible range, the disturbing fluorescence of impurities, has now been eliminated: Raman spectra are excited by light quanta of the near-infrared range; their energy, however, is too small to excite fluorescence spectra. Now Raman spectroscopy can be applied to many real world samples, to quality control of raw material, to production and product control. This paper gives examples of the application to food analysis. Many problems can be solved without a special sample preparation, even by using fibre bundles on-line at the sample site, in containers and in real time for production control. The configuration and amount of C=C bonds in lipids can be determined directly, also the nature and amount of proteins and carbohydrates, and the composition of food products. Natural and synthetic colours, flavours and vitamins can be detected on TLC plates, especially if Raman scattering is enhanced by resonance. Traces of distinct compounds can be detected by the SERS technique (the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy). The powerful new tool of analytical chemistry promises many useful applications and the replacement of time-consuming traditional methods.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Wilhelm Fresenius on the occasion of his 80th birthday     

Photoisomerization kinetics of trifloxystrobin

The photoisomerization kinetics of trifloxystrobin (TFS) in acetone under artificial sunlight is reported. HPLC analysis showed the TFS, a strobilurine fungicide of EE conformation, was converted into an equilibrium mixture of four isomers after illumination for 7 h. The isomers were identified as EZ, EE, ZZ, and ZE and were separated in the crystalline form by preparative HPLC and characterized by use of a variety of spectroscopic techniques. The quantum yield and reaction constants for the isomerization reactions were determined. The detailed spectral features of the individual isomers measured by UV, IR, Raman, NMR and mass spectroscopy are presented and compared. The spectra of the isomers were found to be very characteristic, with good analytical significance.     

Investigation of skin and skin lesions by NIR-FT-Raman spectroscopy

There is a vast demand for in vivo methods for the detection of skin cancer, one of the most dangerous skin lesions. Use of near infrared Fourier transform (NIR-FT)-Raman spectroscopy virtually eliminates the fluorescence of the normal cell constituents and provides a signal to noise ratio, r _SN, large enough to successfully evaluate the spectra using chemometric methods. A novel fiber optic probe for NIR-FT-Raman spectroscopy was used, which allows sterilization and the prevention of hazards due to laser radiation and makes in vivo measurements possible. The Raman spectra of normal skin are dominated by the connective tissue, mainly collagen type I. The Raman spectra of skin with inflammatory diseases show an increased lipid and water content. Kaposi sarcomas show typical features of tumors mainly in the amide III and the protein backbone range. A clear separation of Raman spectra of normal skin from those of benign and malignant neoplasms can be achieved by cluster analysis. However, the unequivocal diagnosis of skin cancer needs investigation of a larger number of more defined skin samples, taking into consideration the concurrent appearance of different skin symptoms like coloring and inflammation. Received: 25 July 1997 / Revised: 16 September 1997 / Accepted: 20 September 1997     

Theoretical study on contribution of charge transfer effect to surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra of pyridine adsorbed on Ag(n) (n = 2-8) clusters

We investigate surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of pyridine–Ag_n (n = 2–8) complexes by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods. In simulated normal Raman scattering (NRS) spectra, profiles of pyridine–Ag_n (n = 2–8) complexes are analogical with that of isolated pyridine. Nevertheless, calculated pre-SERS spectra are strongly dependent on electronic transition states of new complexes. Wavelengths at 335 nm, 394.8 nm, 316.9 nm and 342.6 nm, which are nearly resonant with pure charge transfer excitation states, are adopted as incident light when simulating pre-SERS spectra for pyridine–Ag_n (n = 2–8) complexes, respectively. We obtain enhancement factors from 10³ to 10⁵ in pre-SERS spectra compared with corresponding NRS spectra. The obvious increase in Raman intensities mainly result from charge transfer resonance Raman enhancement. A charge difference densities (CDDs) methodology is adopted in describing chemical enhancement mechanism. This methodology aims at visualizing charge transfer from Ag_n (n = 2–8) clusters to pyridine on resonant electronic transition, which is one of the most direct evidences for chemical enhancement mechanism.     

Development of a simultaneous measurement system of x‐ray diffraction and raman spectra: Application to structural study of crystalline‐phase transitions of chain molecules

The development of a bench‐top‐type system for simultaneous measurement of X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra has been made to investigate structural changes in the phase transitions of chain molecules such as polyethylene, n‐alkane, and so forth from various viewpoints. For the X‐ray diffraction measurement an imaging plate or a charge‐coupled device camera was used as a two‐dimensional detector. For the Raman spectral measurement a miniature Raman spectrometer was used with optical fibers for the irradiation of incident laser beams and collection of scattered signals. For example, in the heating process of the n‐C₃₀H₆₂ sample, the phase transition from orthorhombic‐to‐hexagonal lattices could be detected clearly by the X‐ray and Raman measurements. By comparing these two different types of data in detail, an intimate relationship between conformational disordering and rotational motion of molecular chains is detected more clearly than before. Also, similar discussion can be made for the orthorhombic‐to‐hexagonal phase transition of the geometrically constrained polyethylene sample occurring immediately below the melting point. Another example concerns the structural change in the photoinduced solid‐state polymerization of cis,cis‐diethylmuconate single crystal. From the shifts in the X‐ray reflection position and Raman frequency characteristic of the produced polymer, it was found that the molecular deformation of the polymer chains and lattice strain was induced in the early stage of the polymerization reaction. For the ferroelectric‐phase transition of vinylidene fluoride copolymer, the simultaneous measurement was made for collecting triple information of small‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray scatterings and Raman spectra to know the relationship between the structural change in the crystal lattice and the morphological change in the lamellar stacking mode. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 495–506, 2002; DOI 10.1002/polb.10112     

A combined experimental and theoretical study of resonance emission spectra of SO2( B2)

Experimental and theoretical resonance emission spectra are obtained for a number of vibrational states of SO₂( ¹B₂). The experimental emission spectra are dominated by (n₁ν₁, n₂ν₂, 0) bands, but some weak activity in the anti-symmetric stretch (ν₃) is observed. The calculated emission spectra based on an empirical near-equilibrium potential energy surface agree reasonably well with experiment for two lowest states investigated here, but fail to reproduce higher ones. Resonance Raman spectra are also calculated and agree well with an earlier experiment.     

Raman Optical Activity (ROA) as a New Tool to Elucidate the Helical Structure of Poly(phenylacetylene)s

Poly(phenylacetylene)s are a family of helical polymers constituted by conjugated double bonds. Raman spectra of these polymers show a structural fingerprint of the polyene backbone which, in combination with its helical orientation, makes them good candidates to be studied by Raman optical activity (ROA). Four different well‐known poly(phenylacetylene)s adopting different scaffolds and ten different helical senses have been prepared. Raman and ROA spectra were recorded and allowed to establish ROA‐spectrum/helical‐sense relationships: a left/right‐handed orientation of the polyene backbone (M_helix/P_helix) produces a triplet of positive/negative ROA bands. Raman and ROA spectra of each polymer exhibited the same profile, and the sign of the ROA spectrum was opposite to the lowest‐energy electronic circular dichroism (ECD) band, indicating a resonance effect. Resonance ROA appears then as an indicator of the helical sense of poly(phenylacetylene)s, especially for those with an extra Cotton band in the ECD spectrum, where a wrong helical sense is assigned based on ECD, while ROA alerts of this misassignment.     

1064-nm-excited Fourier transform Raman studies of bacteriochlorophyll-a in solid films and in a blue-green mutant of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

1064-nm-excited Fourier transform Raman spectra of bacteriochlorophyll-a (BChl) in various solid films and in chromatophores from a blue-green mutant of Rhodobacter sphaeroides have been obtained. The observed Raman spectra are free from high fluorescence backgrounds and sample degradation. The observed intensities seem to be enhanced because of a pre-resonant effect between the exciting radiation at 1064 nm and the Q_y absorption at 770–870 nm of BChl. The spectral features are substantially different from the Soret and Q_x resonance Raman spectra extensively investigated so far; several bands in the wavenumber region lower than 1200 cm⁻¹ are particularly enhanced in the Q_y pre-resonance Raman spectra. Bands due to both the C₂O and C₉O stretches appear at 1700–1620 cm⁻¹, providing structural information on these carbonyl groups. In the CC stretching region (1620–1490 cm⁻¹), the correlation between band positions and the co-ordination number of central magnesium, which was previously found in the Soret-excited Raman spectra, is preserved in the Q_y, pre-resonance Raman spectra as well. The relative intensities of strong bands in the 1200–1000 cm⁻¹ region appear to be useful for characterizing the BChl state. By using these advantages of the Q_y, pre-resonance Raman spectra, molecular interactions and arrangements of BChl in hydrated films and in the B870 light-harvesting complex of R. sphaeroides are discussed.     

Cover Picture: ChemPhysChem 1/2003

The cover picture shows a picture of a Mentha × piperita plant, which has a high pharmaceutical relevance. Raman spectra of extremely high spatial resolution have been recorded of this plant by applying etched and silver‐coated glass fiber tips; a method which has been developed in our group within the scope of a BMBF project FKZ 13N7511 located in the framework of Laser‐Biodynamik. On the right, a picture of such a glass fiber tip illuminated by the Raman laser is shown. The fiber tip is brought extremely close to the sample area to be investigated. The picture also shows the Raman spectrum obtained by applying this fiber‐tip technique. This method allows the recording of Raman spectra of biologically relevant samples with an extremely high spatial resolution (200 nm).     

Introduction to bioenergetics: Thermodynamics for the biologist — a learning program for students of the biological and medical sciences | by N. Christensen and Richard A. Cellarius,W.B. Saunders Company,Philadelphia, 1972, pp. xii + 223, price £2.35

The infrared and Raman spectra of the light blue modification of anhydrous copper(II) formate, Cu(HCOO)₂, and copper(II) formate-d₂, Cu(DCOO)₂, are reported, as well as the Raman spectra of copper(II) formate tetrahydrate Cu(HCOO)₂ · 4H₂O and copper(II) formate tetrahydrate-d₈ Cu(HCOO)₂ · 4D₂O over a wide range of temperatures. In the latter two compounds, the fundamental formate modes, active in the Raman spectra, showed splittings when the phase transition temperature was traversed. These low-temperature Raman spectra were interpreted in terms of a P2₁ space group and prove that the phase transition not only involves an ordering in the orientation of the water molecules, but also displacements of the heavy atoms. Only a limited number of weak translational modes of the water molecules could be identified in the Raman spectra of the copper(II) formate tetrahydrate, and it is not possible therefore to determine exactly how ordering affects the Raman-active lattice modes of these molecules.     

On [Na(POCl3)4]+ Complex Ion Formation: Conductivity,Raman, and NMR studies in the system phosphoryl chloride–sodium tetrachloro aluminate and related compounds

The system POCl₃–NaAlCl₄ was investigated by measuring the conductivity and the Raman and NMR spectra (²⁷Al, ²³Na and ³¹P) as a function of the mol fraction x of NaAlCl₄ in POCl₃. Additionally, Raman spectra of POCl₃ solutions of NaFeCl₄, LiAlCl₄, LiFeCl₄, and KAlCl₄ were recorded. In solutions containing Li⁺ or Na⁺ ions a liquid to solid (or jelly) phase transition was observed under certain conditions, dependent on salt concentration and temperature. Observed changes in the Raman spectra of the electrolyte solutions in comparison to the pure solvent POCl₃ demonstrate the existence of interactions. Clearly, the POCl₃ eigenfrequencies and hence the molecules are pertubed. The formation of [M(POCl₃)₄]⁺ complexes (M = Li, Na) can be deduced from the Raman measurements. NMR investigations support this conclusion. For assigning of Raman spectra, (Li⁺, K⁺) cation and ([FeCl₄]^?, [SbCl₆]^?) anion substitutions were employed.