Intrinsic optical properties of bacterial spores and cells

Detecting contamination of our food and sterilized surfaces (such as our medical supplies) is a significant public health problem. All living cells respire, producing metabolites, which have intrinsic fluorescence properties. These markers can be used for the detection of bacterial spores and cells in a variety of environments. Intrinsic fluorescence detection is highly sensitive, rapid, requires no sample contact, can differentiate between spores and viable cells. Using intrinsic fluorescence we are able to monitor microbial contamination of foods and sterilized surfaces.