title: Shining light on the microbial world the application of Raman microspectroscopy.
abstract: Raman microspectroscopy is a noninvasive, label-free, and single-cell technology for biochemical analysis of individual mammalian cells, organelles, bacteria, viruses, and nanoparticles. Chemical information derived from a Raman spectrum provides comprehensive and intrinsic information (e.g., nucleic acids, protein, carbohydrates, and lipids) of single cells without the need of any external labeling. A Raman spectrum functions as a molecular "fingerprint" of single cells, which enables the differentiation of cell types, physiological states, nutrient condition, and variable phenotypes. Raman microspectroscopy combined with stable isotope probing, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and optical tweezers offers a culture-independent approach to study the functions and physiology of unculturable microorganisms in the ecosystem. Here, we review the application of Raman microspectroscopy to microbiology research with particular emphasis on single bacterial cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom. w.huang@shef.ac.uk
authors.forename: Wei E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Mengqiu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Roger M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Jarvis
authors.forename: Royston
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Goodacre
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Banwart
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000737:chemistry; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D013045:Species Specificity; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman
chemical_list: D002241:Carbohydrates; D008055:Lipids; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011506:Proteins