Raman microspectroscopy of algal lipid bodies: beta-carotene as a volume sensor

0368584 - ÚPT 2012 RIV US eng C - Conference Paper (international conference)
Pilát, Zdeněk - Bernatová, Silvie - Ježek, Jan - Šerý, Mojmír - Samek, Ota - Zemánek, Pavel - Nedbal, L. - Trtílek, M.
Raman microspectroscopy of algal lipid bodies: beta-carotene as a volume sensor.
Photonics, Devices, and Systems V (Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 8306). Bellingham: SPIE, 2011, 83060L:1-7. ISBN 978-0-8194-8953-1.
[Photonics, Devices, and Systems V. Praha (CZ), 24.08.2011-26.08.2011]
R&D Projects: GA MPO FR-TI1/433; GA MŠMT ED0017/01/01
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20650511
Keywords : Raman microspectroscopy * microalgae * Trachydiscus minutus * biotechnology * optical tweezers * microfluidics
Subject RIV: BH - Optics, Masers, Lasers

Advanced optical instruments are useful for analysis and manipulation of individual living cells and their internal structures. We have employed Raman microspectroscopic analysis for assessment of algal lipid body (LB) volume in vivo. Some algae contain β-carotene in high amounts in their LBs, including strains which are considered useful in biotechnology for lipid and pigment production. We have detected proportionality between the Raman vibrations of β-carotene and the LB volume. This finding may allow fast acquisition of LB volume approximation valuable e.g. for Raman microspectroscopy assisted cell sorting. We combine optical manipulation and analysis on a microfluidic platform in order to achieve fast, effective, and non-invasive sorting based on spectroscopic features of the individual living cells. The resultant apparatus could find its use in demanding biotechnological applications such as selection of rare natural mutants or artificially modified cells resulting from genetic manipulations.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0202884