Identification of some bacterial cell components by FT-IR spectroscopy

Abstract

Some particular cell components can be detected and identified by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of intact bacteria. Typical marker bands were used to identify these bacterial cell components. Polypeptide capsules were detected in several Bacillus species by a band typical for α-helical structures and by strong carboxylate stretching vibrations. Formation of endospores in clostridia and bacilli was discovered using marker bands for dipicolinic acid. Spectra of some Bacillus strains showed expression of poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid granules, capsules and endospores simultaneously.