Rapid assessment of changes in E. coli following exposure to synchrotron THz radiation

A novel "in-situ drying" based on ATR-FTIR spectroscopy is demonstrated for the rapid assessment of the responses of E. coli after exposure to 1.0 Wm^-2 synchrotron sourced broadband radiation in the 0.5 THz to 20.0 THz range. This approach is not designed for detailed analysis of the impacts of the THz exposure, it is intended to be used for rapid qualitative assessment of exposure-induced molecular changes to underpin the subsequent analytical strategies. The ATR-FTIR spectral data showed a consistent difference between the THz exposed cells and control samples after 10, 20, 30 and 90 minutes of THz exposure. The best region for assessment is within 1350-750 cm^-1 range. On this criterion, the method is useful to rapidly assess qualitative differences between exposed and control E. coli samples.