Using Biochemistry to Ensure Proper Sanitation

1. Using Biochemistry to Ensure
Proper Sanitation
By: Evan A Weitz

2. Using Biochemistry to Ensure Proper Sanitation
Minnesota resident Evan A. Weitz completed his doctoral program in organic and analytical
chemistry in 2015. As a PhD student, Evan A. Weitz co-authored articles related to the detection of
adenosine triphosphate, commonly referred to as ATP. While on a basic level students are taught
that this molecule is the building block of energy transfer in the human body, research has shown
the molecule can be used to help test and refine cleaning methods.

3. Using Biochemistry to Ensure Proper Sanitation
ATP is a molecule found in all living cells (food, bacteria, yeast, mold). Referred to as ATP bio-
luminescence, research has shown that, when the enzyme luciferase comes into contact with ATP,
light is emitted, and the amount of light is determined by the amount of ATP present. This is
important because the emission of light reveals the presence of microbial species. In other words,
the presence of ATP indicates that the surface of an area (table, floor, counter, or seat) is not free
of living organisms.

4. Using Biochemistry to Ensure Proper Sanitation
This research and the technology derived from it stands to benefit the health profession,
particularly hospitals. According to one study published in BMC Infectious Diseases in 2018,
researchers found an ATP-bioluminescence-assay can be used to determine whether surfaces
have been sufficiently cleaned. While the research found that this method of assessing cleanliness
does not replace conventional measures, it does allow for an efficient way to assess surface
cleanliness more frequently and to determine the efficacy of cleaning strategies.