Resonantly enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy of industrial process liquids.

This project will explore the use of optical methods such as resonantly-enhanced fluorescence for bacterial identification. We will build on the photonic sensor capability already developed together with P&G in a previous project and adapt the instrumentation accordingly. Pilot results have already indicated that our guided mode resonance (GMR) sensor modality can resonantly enhance fluorescence emission. We will build on these results and use them to study the bacteria forming the biofilm in more detail; we aim to differentiate between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as a first step. Identifying the bacterial species in more detail, and therefore the source of contamination in the process fluid, is more challenging, but feasible. In addition to providing much better information about bacterial contamination, this technique may also be capable of identifying the chemical mixture of the process liquid, so can be used for process control more generally.