Assessment of a Raman micro-spectroscopy/microfluidics unit using a model E. coli/glucose bio-system

Incorporating Raman micro-spectroscopy into microfluidic units provides certain opportunities for in situ monitoring of bio-systems at the micro scale. Specifically, it allows for the observation of exchange, release and uptake of biochemical components within and in proximity of microorganisms in the highly controlled liquid phase environments of microfluidics. However, such systems are still in infancy and their capabilities need to be explored further. In this paper, the Escherichia coli (E. coli)/glucose bio-system is used for assessing a Raman/microfluidics unit. Two scenarios were used in the observations: the first that includes nutrient rich broth, ideal for E. coli growth, and the second using simplified deionised water.