title: A new approach to non-destructive analysis of biofilms by confocal Raman microscopy.
abstract: Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) of biofilms enables one to determine the distribution of different microorganisms and other substances inside physiological intact microbial communities. These biofilms are of outstanding interest for biological wastewater treatment. In contrast to invasive techniques, such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), we were able to identify anaerobically ammonium-oxidising (anammox) bacteria without pretreatment processes of the samples just by its Raman vibrational signature. The presented results provide new insights into the complex interactions of different organisms in microbial communities without interfering with them.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Biophysik, Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Strasse 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany. paetzold@biophysik.uni-hannover.de
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pätzold
authors.forename: Maike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Keuntje
authors.forename: Angelika
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anders-von Ahlften
mesh_terms: D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013997:Time Factors; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014871:Water Microbiology
chemical_list: D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D012722:Sewage