Functionalized arrays of Raman-enhancing nanoparticles for capture and culture-free analysis of bacteria in human blood
Journal
Nature Communications
Journal Volume
2
Journal Issue
1
Pages
1-8
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Liu, T.-Y.
Tsai, K.-T.
Wang, H.-H.
Chen, Y.
Chen, Y.-H.
Chao, Y.-C.
Chang, H.-H.
Lin, C.-H.
Wang, Y.-L.
Abstract
Detecting bacteria in clinical samples without using time-consuming culture processes would allow rapid diagnoses. Such a culture-free detection method requires the capture and analysis of bacteria from a body fluid, which are usually of complicated composition. Here we show that coating Ag-nanoparticle arrays with vancomycin (Van) can provide label-free analysis of bacteria via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), leading to a ~1,000-fold increase in bacteria capture, without introducing significant spectral interference. Bacteria from human blood can be concentrated onto a microscopic Van-coated area while blood cells are excluded. Furthermore, a Van-coated substrate provides distinctly different SERS spectra of Van-susceptible and Van-resistant Enterococcus, indicating its potential use for drug-resistance tests. Our results represent a critical step towards the creation of SERS-based multifunctional biochips for rapid culture- and label-free detection and drug-resistant testing of microorganisms in clinical samples.
Publisher
Springer Nature
Type
journal article