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-1 appeared to be suitable for the
monitoring of PHB production and consumption. These
intensities were linearly related to the PHB concentration
(mg L-1 culture) 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.
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