Micro-Raman spectroscopy of algae: Composition analysis and fluorescence background behavior

Preliminary feasibility studies were performed using Stokes Raman scattering for compositional analysis of algae. Two algal species, Chlorella sorokiniana (UTEX #1230) and Neochloris oleoabundans (UTEX #1185), were chosen for this study. Both species were considered to be candidates for biofuel prod...

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Published in:Biotechnology and bioengineering 2010-04, Vol.105 (5), p.889-898
Main Authors: Huang, Y.Y, Beal, C.M, Cai, W.W, Ruoff, R.S, Terentjev, E.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
biodiesel
Biodiesel fuels
Biofuel production
Biological and medical sciences
Biotechnology
Chlorella - chemistry
Chlorophyta - chemistry
composition analysis
Energy
Eukaryota - chemistry
Fluorescence
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects
lipid
Lipids
Pigments
Raman
Spectrum analysis
Spectrum Analysis, Raman - methods
triglyceride
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Summary:Preliminary feasibility studies were performed using Stokes Raman scattering for compositional analysis of algae. Two algal species, Chlorella sorokiniana (UTEX #1230) and Neochloris oleoabundans (UTEX #1185), were chosen for this study. Both species were considered to be candidates for biofuel production. Raman signals due to storage lipids (specifically triglycerides) were clearly identified in the nitrogen-starved C. sorokiniana and N. oleoabundans, but not in their healthy counterparts. On the other hand, signals resulting from the carotenoids were found to be present in all of the samples. Composition mapping was conducted in which Raman spectra were acquired from a dense sequence of locations over a small region of interest. The spectra obtained for the mapping images were filtered for the wavelengths of characteristic peaks that correspond to components of interest (i.e., triglyceride or carotenoid). The locations of the components of interest could be identified by the high intensity areas in the composition maps. Finally, the time evolution of fluorescence background was observed while acquiring Raman signals from the algae. The time dependence of fluorescence background is characterized by a general power law decay interrupted by sudden high intensity fluorescence events. The decreasing trend is likely a result of photo-bleaching of cell pigments due to prolonged intense laser exposure, while the sudden high intensity fluorescence events are not understood. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 889-898.
ISSN:0006-3592
1097-0290
DOI:10.1002/bit.22617