Spectroscopy is a fundamental analytical tool utilized throughout all of the sciences. For chemistry and biology alone, there are thousands of applications. In the past two decades there have been monumental advances in the miniaturization of components used in spectrophotometric systems. The key components include detector arrays, laser diodes, and fiber optics. Currently, there are numerous commercially available miniature spectrometer systems as well as discrete components that are used by researchers in designing their own systems. A comprehensive summary of current instrumentation available for the design and development of miniaturized spectroscopy applications is described, including detectors, wavelength discriminating components, light sources, and sampling assemblies. Recommendations are made for designing spectrometer systems for specific applications. Current literature is reviewed for chemical and biological applications specifically using miniaturized spectrometer systems with the focus being on ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectrometers. The applications include laboratory applications, environmental sensing, on-site industrial analyses, botany and ecology applications, and finally clinical and biochemical studies. Additionally, microspectrometers, two-dimensional arrays, and photonics crystals are discussed in regards to their future role in chemistry and biology applications.
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are enteric protozoa which cause waterborne diseases. To date, the detection of these organisms in water has relied upon microscopic immunofluorescent assay technology which uses antibodies directed against the cyst and oocyst forms of the protozoa. In this paper, the uv/vis extinction spectra of aqueous dispersions of Ciyptosporidium and Giardia have been studied to investigate the potential use of light scattering-spectral deconvolution techniques as a rapid method for the identification and quantification of protozoa in water. Examination of purified samples of Oyptosporidium and Giardia suggests that spectral features apparent in the short wavelength region of the uv/vis spectra contain information that may be species specific for each protozoa. The spectral characteristics, as well as the particle size analysis, determined from the same spectra, allow for the quantitative classification, identification, and possibly, the assessment of the viability of the protozoa. To further increase the sensitivity of this technique, specific antibodies directed against these organisms, labelled with FITC and rhodamine are being used. It is demonstrated that uv/vis spectroscopy provides an alternative method for the characterization of Giardia and Qyptosporidium. The simplicity and reproducibility of uv/vis spectroscopy measurements makes this technique ideally suited for the development of on-line instrumentation for the rapid detection of microorganisms in water supplies.
This report was prepared as an accoint of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.