(64c) Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Yeast as Model for Possible Biological Detection

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is considered as a fast, in situ alternative identification method for microorganisms. This technique provides important information about the spectroscopy signatures of cellular components within cells. SERS has significant benefits for industrial microbiology, food microbiology and biological warfare agents detection. The proposed method for the detection of microorganisms employs a fast and simple synthesis of silver colloids based on reduction of silver nitrate with hydroxylamine hydrochloride at alkaline pH. Colloids were characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy. Yeast was used as the model microorganism since its cellular components and spectroscopic signatures are well known. This process allows for the detection of microorganisms such as yeast using an excitation wavelength of 785 nm. This detection system is an attractive identification method for other biological agents.