analytical chemistry Editor; Herbert A. Laitinen EDITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1155 Sixteenth St.. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 202-872-4570 Teletype: 7 10-8220151 Managing Editor: Josephine M. Petruzzi
Automated ldentification of Microbes
Associate Editor: Andrew A. Husovsky Associate Editor, Easton: Elizabeth R. Rufe Assistant Editors: Barbara Cassatt, Deborah M. Cox, Nancy J. Oddenino Production Manager: Leroy L. Corcoran Associate Manager: Charlotte C. Sayre Art Director: John V. Sinnett Artist: Diane Reich Advisory Board: Donald H. Anderson, Richard P. Buck, Velmer Fassel, David Firestone, Robert A. Hofstader, Marjorie G. Homing, Philip F. Kane, Barry L. Karger, J. Jack Kirkland, Lynn L. Lewis, Harry B. Mark, Jr., Walter C. McCrone, Harry L. Pardue, Eugene A. Sawicki, w. D. Shuits lnstrumenlatlon Advlsory Panel: Gary D. Christian, Nathan Gochman, Robert W. Hannah, Gary Horlick, Peter J. Kissinger, James N. Little, Sidney L. Phillips, R. K. Skogerboe, Donald E. Smith Contributing Editor: Claude A. Lucchesi Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, 111. 60201 Published by the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 1155 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Books and Journals Divislon Director: D. H. Michael Bowen Editorial: Charles R. Bertsch Magazine and Production: Bacil Guiley
A recent article by Thomas H. Maugh I1 [Science, 194,1403 (1976)] describes the use of pyrolysis followed by gas chromatography and/or mass spectrometry for the identification of microorganisms. Originally developed for use in planetary exploration, the method has given promise of reliable and rapid identification for many mundane applications. Not only can organisms such as bacteria be identified with a high degree of specificity,but the method is showing promise for distinguishing between healthy and malignant cells, and identifying subcellular and multicellular units in biological systems. Pyrolysis techniques are by no means unfamiliar to analytical chemists, as for example in the analysis of polymers, but the idea of detecting minute differences in complex biological samples has enormous implications. The demands for rigid control of sample preparation and conditions of pyrolysis and analysis suggest that automation in this area is not just a convenience but an absolute necessity. Establishment of standardized equipment and methodology would greatly simplify the collection and storage of reference data, so that each investigator need not create his own data bank. More selective methods of sample fragmentation, based upon other forms of energy than heat, perhaps laser excitation, microwave energy, electron or ion probes, offer possibilities for further research. Advanced methods of data handling, including computer-based pattern recognition techniques, need to be applied to sort out the voluminous output of data and normalize it for comparison with standards. Standard samples need to be evolved to permit calibration. Extension of the method to applications such as body fluid analysis suggests itself. The possibilities for diagnostic use appear sufficiently promising to justify a research effort of considerable magnitude. Analytical chemists have already made key contributions in this field, and they can play an important role in its future developments.
Research and Development: Seldon W. Terrant Circulation Development: Marion Gurfein Manuscript requirements are published in the December 1976 issue, page 2297. Manuscripts for publication (4 copies) should be submitted to ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY at the ACS Washington address. The American Chemical Society and its editors assume no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors. Views expressed in the editorials are those of the editors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the American Chemical Society. ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 49, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 1977
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