This study explored the potential of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) in bacteria. PHB can be formed in large amounts by certain bacteria as a storage material and is of high importance for industrial biodegradable plastic production. Raman spectra were collected from Cupriavidus necator DSM 428 (H16), from its non-PHB-producing mutant strain C. necator DSM 541, and from pure PHB, in order to determine at which Raman shifts a contribution of PHB in bacterial spectra can be expected. The Raman band intensity at ca. 1734 cm-1appeared to be suitable for the monitoring of PHB production and consumption. These intensities were linearly related to the PHB concentration (mg L-1culture) determined by parallel HPLC analysis. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy is considered as a fast and noninvasive technique for the determination and monitoring of the PHB content in bacteria.

doi.org/10.1021/ac702185d, hdl.handle.net/1765/32395
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

de Gelder, J., Willemse-Erix, D., Scholtes-Timmerman, M., Sanchez, J., Maquelin, K., Vandenabeele, P., … de Vos, P. (2008). Monitoring poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production in Cupriavidus necator DSM 428 (H16) with Raman spectroscopy. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 80(6), 2155–2160. doi:10.1021/ac702185d