Infrared detection of volatile compounds from microorganisms

Most microorganisms evolve a suite of volatile metabolites. Some microorganism cultures evolve distinctive odors suggesting that the volatile compounds produced by microorganisms might be used to quickly distinguish microorganism types. We have measured infrared spectra of volatiles from common soil microorganisms. FTIR measurements were performed using the Bomem MB157 Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer with ZnSe optics, using a MCT detector (500 cm-1 cut off). Spectral signatures of cultures dominated by coccus microorganisms differed from those with bacillus microorganisms. With improved infrared detection, IR signatures of microbial volatiles may be useful to characterize microorganism consortia and the predominant metabolite.