Image processing guided analysis for estimation of bacteria colonies number by means of optical transforms

Abstract

A novel method for evaluation of bacterial colonies number (Colony Forming Units--CFU), is described. Proposed algorithm, based on the Mellin transform, allows the CFU evaluation, invariant for the spatial orientation and scale changes. The proposed method involves image recording of bacteria grown in Petri dishes, calculation of the Fourier spectrum followed by coordinates transformation, and determination of the Mellin transform. It was proved that there is a high correlation between CFU and maxima of Mellin spectra. The method was practically implemented for evaluation of antibacterial activity of silver-based nanomaterials and the effect of an additional laser light irradiation.