title: Effects of the composition of bacteriological growth media on a chemiluminometric assay of beta-galactosidase in Escherichia coli.
abstract: The effects of the composition of bacteriological growth media on the light output in a chemiluminometric assay of beta-galactosidase in Escherichia coli using 1,2-dioxetane substrates has been studied. In this assay a basic conflict exists between conditions that promote optimal bacterial growth and those conducive to maximal chemiluminescence. Common medium ingredients such as yeast or beef extract, protein hydrolysates and lactose suppress light emission and/or lead to high backgrounds. Quenching of light emission is probably partly due to light absorption by medium ingredients such as oxgall, and partly to interference with the reaction triggering the chemiluminescent process. Elevated backgrounds are caused by the presence of high concentrations of protein hydrolysates, which interact with the alkali in the accelerator solution. Only two purposely developed media, i.e. ILM and Colicult are shown to reconcile the requirements of growth support with that of optimal luminescent properties.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Gent Belgium.
authors.forename: S O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Van Poucke
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Nelis
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003470:Culture Media; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds; D006573:Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D010783:Photometry / Q000379:methods; D011112:Polymyxin B / Q000494:pharmacology; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds; D006573:Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring; C079142:1,2-dioxetane; D001616:beta-Galactosidase; D011112:Polymyxin B