Advertisement
Grab your lab coat. Let's get started
Welcome!
Welcome!
Create an account below to get 6 C&EN articles per month, receive newsletters and more - all free.
It seems this is your first time logging in online. Please enter the following information to continue.
As an ACS member you automatically get access to this site. All we need is few more details to create your reading experience.
Not you? Sign in with a different account.
Not you? Sign in with a different account.
ERROR 1
ERROR 1
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
Password and Confirm password must match.
If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)
ERROR 2
ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.
Matti Koivisto, an undergraduate student working in the laboratory of Kari Haajanen at Turku University of Applied Sciences, designs solutions similar to this one to detect the bacteria Escherichia coli. He uses a dye called rhodamine 6G, which has a strong orange color when dissolved in ethanol. In solution, the dye separates into negatively and positively charged ions, the latter of which are largely responsible for the dye’s color. Negatively charged molecules on the outer membranes of E. coli attract the dye’s positive ions. This interaction causes the dye to change color to a pinkish hue, and the level of color change allows Koivisto to gauge how many of the bacteria are present.
Submitted by Matti Koivisto
Do science. Take pictures. Win money. Enter our photo contest here.
Related C&EN Content:
You might also like...
The power is now in your (nitrile gloved) hands
Sign up for a free account to get more articles. Or choose the ACS option that’s right for you.
Already have an ACS ID? Log in
Join the conversation
Contact the reporter
Submit a Letter to the Editor for publication
Engage with us on Twitter