Isolation of endophytic microorganisms from blueberry fruit and identification by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

specific roles in plant growth promotion and protection [1]. Endophytic microbes may help with nutrient acquisition, produce growth-enhancing hormones, fungicides, etc. Fruit endophytes can protect fruits against post-harvest diseases. Blueberry fruits are consumed all over the world. They are also widely studied for their bioactive compounds [2], however, their endomicrobiota is not well studied, especially endophytes contained in the berries [3]. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly sensitive technique that enhances the Raman scattering of molecules supported by some nanostructured materials. Molecular characterization by SERS allows for easy separation of microorganisms and produces a lot of information about the composition of cells. The aim of this study was to isolate endophytic microorganisms from commercially grown blueberries and to identify their molecular composition by SERS. [...]