Cell growth characteristics from angle- and polarization-resolved light scattering: Prospects for two-dimensional correlation analysis

• Two-dimensional correlation analysis applied to angle- and polarization- resolved light scattering.
• Synchronous and asynchronous correlation map features serve as sensitive markers for cell growth characteristics.
• Sensitivity to minor structural perturbations demonstrated through Mie scattering models.

We highlight the potential of generalized two-dimensional correlation analysis for the fingerprinting of cell growth in solution monitored by light scattering, where the synchronous and asynchronous responses serve as a sensitive marker for the effect of growth conditions on the distribution of cell morphologies. The polarization of the scattered light varies according to the cell size distribution, and so the changes in the polarization over time are an excellent indicator of the dynamic growth conditions. However, direct comparison of the polarization-, time-, and angle-resolved signals between different experiments is hindered by the subtle changes in the data, and the inability to easily adapt models to account for these differences. Using Mie scattering simulations of different growth conditions, and some preliminary experimental data for a single set of conditions, we illustrate that correlation analysis provides rapid and sensitive qualitative markers of growth characteristics.

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