Design and field application of a UV-LED based optical fiber biofilm sensor.

Fischer, Matthias, Wahl, Martin and Friedrichs, Gernot (2012) Design and field application of a UV-LED based optical fiber biofilm sensor. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 33 (1). pp. 172-178. DOI 10.1016/j.bios.2011.12.048.

[thumbnail of Fischer.pdf] Text
Fischer.pdf - Published Version
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (895kB) | Contact

Supplementary data:

Abstract

Detecting changes in the formation dynamics of biofilms stemming from bacteria and unicellular microorganisms in their natural environment is of prime interest for biological, ecological as well as anti-fouling technology research. We developed a robust optical fiber-based biofilm sensor ready to be applied in natural aquatic environments for on-line, in situ and non-destructive monitoring of large-area biofilms. The device is based on the detection of the natural fluorescence of microorganisms constituting the biofilm. Basically, the intrinsic fluorescence of the amino acid tryptophan is excited at a wavelength of λ=280 nm and detected at λ=350 nm utilising a numerically optimized sensor head equipped with a UV-LED light source and optical fiber bundles for efficient fluorescence light collection. Calibration was carried out with tryptophan solutions and two characteristic marine bacteria strains revealing linear signal response, satisfactory background suppression, wide dynamic range, and an experimental detection limit of 4 × 10(3)cells/cm(2). Successful field experiments in the Baltic Sea accomplished over a period of twenty-one days provided for the first time continuous observation of biofilm formation dynamics in a natural habitat. Starting from the first adhering bacteria, the measurement yielded the characteristic three phases of biofilm formation up to a fully developed biofilm. The sensor system holds potential for applications in aquatic sciences including deep sea research and, after further miniaturisation, in the industrial and biomedical field.

Document Type: Article
Additional Information: WOS:000301699800027
Keywords: Natural biofilm; Intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence; Biofilm formation dynamics; Fiber optical sensor; LED light source; MICROBIAL BIOFILMS; FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY; MATHEMATICAL-MODEL; BACTERIAL BIOFILMS; FLUOROMETRY; SYSTEMS; LASER
Research affiliation: OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R07
OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R11
Kiel University
OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R08
OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence
OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB3 Marine Ecology > FB3-EOE-B Experimental Ecology - Benthic Ecology
OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R02
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: Elsevier
Projects: Future Ocean
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2012 10:08
Last Modified: 23 Sep 2019 20:02
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/19441

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item