Bioluminescence for Food and Environmental Microbiological Safety

Book excerpt: This tutorial text provides an introduction to basics of bioluminescent methods used for rapid analysis of microbiological safety and quality of food and environmental samples. This book is intended for engineers, scientists, students, and managers involved in the design and/or use of biosafety assays. It discusses the practical aspects of bioluminescent microbiological analysis. Some basic knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, and biophysics is preferable; however, a brief review of fundamental principles are included that will allow people who are unfamiliar with these disciplines to grasp their basic concepts.