Stable isotope labeling of entire Bacillus atrophaeus spores and vegetative cells using bioaerosol mass spectrometry

Anal Chem. 2005 Feb 15;77(4):1081-7. doi: 10.1021/ac0488098.

Abstract

Single vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus atrophaeus, formerly Bacillus subtilis var. niger, were analyzed using bioaerosol mass spectrometry. Key biomarkers were identified from organisms grown in 13C and 15N isotopically enriched media. Spore spectra contain peaks from dicipolinate and amino acids. The results indicate that compounds observed in the spectra correspond to material from the spore's core and not the exosporium. Standard compounds and mixtures were analyzed for comparison. The biomarkers for vegetative cells were clearly different from those of the spores, consisting mainly of phosphate clusters and amino acid fragments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols
  • Amino Acids / analysis
  • Bacillus subtilis / chemistry*
  • Biomarkers
  • Isotope Labeling*
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Spores, Bacterial / chemistry*

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Amino Acids
  • Biomarkers