Optical characterization of Pseudomonas fluorescens on meat surfaces using time-resolved fluorescence.
A scanning optical system for the detection of bacteria on meat surfaces based on fluorescence lifetime and intensity measurements is described. The system detects autofluorescent light emitted by naturally occurring fluorophores in bacteria. The technique only requires minimal sample preparation and handling, thus the chemical properties of the specimen are preserved. This work presents the preliminary results obtained from a time-resolved fluorescence imaging system for the characterization of a nonpathogenic gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens. Initial results indicate that the combination of fluorescence lifetime and intensity measurements provides a means for characterizing biological media and for detecting microorganisms on surfaces.
Bouchard
Alain
A
Institut National d'Optique, Parc Technologique du Québec Métropolitain, 2740, rue Einstein, Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1P 4S4 Canada.
Fréchette
Julie
J
Vernon
Marcia
M
Cormier
Jean-François
JF
Beaulieu
René
R
Vallée
Réal
R
Mafu
Akier Assanta
AA
D000465:Algorithms; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D005516:Food Microbiology; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011551:Pseudomonas fluorescens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*