The detection principle of ATP fluorescence detection swabs is mainly based on the specific reaction between ATP and the luciferase-luciferin system, as well as the detection and quantification of the fluorescent signal. The details are as follows:

Biological Basis of ATP

ATP is a high-energy phosphate compound contained in all living cells. It plays a crucial role in the energy metabolism process of cells, providing energy for various life activities of cells. As long as there is life activity, ATP will exist and be involved in cells. Therefore, by detecting the presence and content of ATP, it is possible to indirectly determine whether there are living microorganisms or other biological cells in the sample.

The Reaction of Luciferase-Luciferin

Luciferase is a biological enzyme, and luciferin is a substance that can react under the action of luciferase. When ATP is present, luciferase will use the energy provided by ATP to catalyze the chemical reaction between luciferin and oxygen, generating oxyluciferin and other products. During this reaction process, fluorescence is emitted. The chemical reaction formula can be simply expressed as: Luciferin + ATP + O₂  Oxyluciferin + AMP + PPi + Light. Moreover, under certain conditions, the intensity of the generated fluorescence is directly proportional to the content of ATP.

Signal Detection and Quantification

ATP fluorescence detection swabs are usually equipped with corresponding fluorescent detection instruments. After the swab collects the sample, it is placed in a reaction system containing reagents such as luciferase and luciferin, and the above-mentioned fluorescence reaction occurs. The photodetector in the fluorescent detection instrument will capture the fluorescent signal generated by the reaction and convert it into an electrical signal or a digital signal. These signals are amplified, analyzed, and processed by the signal processing system of the instrument, and finally displayed in the form of relative light units (RLU), etc., to represent the content of ATP in the sample. Testers can judge the degree of microbial contamination or the level of biological activity in the sample surface or environment according to the values displayed by the detection instrument.

ATP fluorescence detection swabs use the specific reaction between ATP and luciferase-luciferin to convert the ATP content into a detectable fluorescent signal, thus achieving the rapid and quantitative detection of bioactive substances in the sample.