Biomarkers of bacterial spore germination

Abstract

Exposure to specific germinant can induce germination in dormant bacterial spores converting them into vegetative cells which are metabolically active and fragile. This phenomenon of conversion of spores from one phase to another could be a keynote potential strategy for development of different type of techniques ranging from spore detection to their eradication and spore-based biosensing. To extend this biphasic spore germination-based approach in order to facilitate development of detection systems, mechanistic details of markers that signals the process of germination initiation in bacterial spores are required. These markers possess a high level of specificity for differentiation in germinating and dormant spores. In this line, present review underscores the structural properties, sporulation and germination in bacterial spores, and covers a detailed description on various biomarkers namely absorbance (600 nm), dipicolinic acid (DPA), refractility of spores, nucleic acid, ATP, spore’s heat resistance, and enzymes which could be valuable in perceiving germination in bacterial spores. Assaying germination using these markers can further explore the efficient use of spores in development of detection devices for food and environment safety.