The detection principle of ATP fluorescence detection swabs is mainly based on bioluminescence technology, as described in detail below:

1. The ATP – Luciferin – Luciferase Reaction System

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) serves as the energy currency in all biological cells, including bacteria, yeasts, molds, and cells of animals and plants. During the process of cellular metabolism, ATP is involved in energy transfer and utilization. When ATP is present, it can react with the luciferin – luciferase reaction system. Luciferase is an enzyme that can catalyze the oxidation reaction of luciferin, and ATP provides the energy for this reaction.

Specifically, in the presence of co – factors such as magnesium ions (Mg²⁺), ATP binds to luciferin and luciferase, causing the oxidation of luciferin. This oxidation process releases photons, generating fluorescence. The reaction equation can be approximately expressed as: Luciferin + ATP + O₂ ²⁺ Oxyluciferin + AMP + PPi + Light (Fluorescence). Here, AMP is adenosine monophosphate, and PPi is pyrophosphate.

2. Application in the Detection Process

The ATP fluorescence detection swab is designed to collect ATP in the sample. The swab is usually made of a special material that can effectively adsorb microorganisms, cell debris, and other substances that may contain ATP on the sample surface. When the swab is used to wipe the surface to be tested (such as the surface of food processing equipment, the surface of medical devices in a hospital, etc.), the swab may pick up microbial or cellular components containing ATP.

Subsequently, the swab is placed in a detection reagent containing the luciferin – luciferase reaction system. If there is ATP on the swab, the above – mentioned luminescence reaction will be triggered. The detection instrument can detect this fluorescence and quantitatively or qualitatively determine the content of ATP based on the intensity of the fluorescence. Generally, the fluorescence intensity is proportional to the content of ATP, and the content of ATP is related to the number of microorganisms in the sample or the activity of cells.

For example, in the food industry, if there are a large number of microorganisms on the surface of food processing equipment, more ATP will be produced by their metabolism. During the detection, a stronger fluorescence will be generated, indicating that the equipment is not thoroughly cleaned and there may be potential food safety hazards. In the healthcare field, if there are a large number of pathogens in the hospital environment, more ATP will be collected by the detection swab, resulting in a high fluorescence intensity, suggesting that the area needs enhanced cleaning and disinfection.

3. Significance of the Detection Results

By detecting the content of ATP, the degree of microbial contamination or the level of cell activity in the sample can be inferred indirectly. However, it should be noted that the ATP content in different types of microbial cells may vary, and the detection results may also be affected by environmental factors (such as temperature, humidity, etc.) and sample characteristics (such as impurities in the sample). Therefore, in practical applications, the actual significance of the detection results is usually comprehensively judged in combination with specific industry standards and experience.