Analysis of very low bacterial counts in small sample volumes using angle-resolved light scattering

Abstract

Because of its high sensitivity to even small objects and the quick measurement principle, angle-resolved scattering (ARS) measurements exhibit a promising potential as a rapid analysis tool for bacterial cells at small sample sizes and very low numbers of cells. In this study, investigations on scattered light from various bacterial cell samples revealed applicability down to single cell levels, which is a huge benefit compared to conventional methods that depend on time-consuming cellular growth over several hours or even days. With the proposed setup and data analysis method, it is possible to detect scatter differences among cell types, together with the cell concentration.