Whole-cell Bacterial Detection
Tech ID: 18-050
Inventors: Dr. Paul W. Bohn and Dr. Jiayun Hu
Date Added: August 22, 2019
Overview
A method of sample preparation that enables rapid whole-cell bacteria detection.
Technology Summary
Proper diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections typically requires culturing and laboratory analysis of biofluids which may take anywhere from 48 hours to a week. During this time doctors will prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic that will kill a range of bacteria that may or may not include target bacteria. Not only is this delay in detection problematic from a treatment standpoint, but the lack of specificity is also contributing to the rise of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Dr. Paul Bohn and Dr. Jiayun Hu have developed a method of sample preparation that allows for near single-cell detection of bacteria using the whole cell that is much faster than current methods. The method uses existing lab equipment, is inexpensive, fast (< 3 hours), and accurate. Whole-cell bacterial detection uses a glass slide with a gold nanotriangle array as its sensor, to which is attached a specific biotinylated aptamer. This aptamer attaches two bacteria in the sample which are then detected via Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR).
Market Advantages
- Detects bacteria much faster
- Cheaper than methods such as PCR (<$50 compared to $500)
- Uses existing, easy to use equipment (LPSR)
- Requires an extremely small sample size
Technology Readiness Status
TRL 3 - Proof of Concept
Intellectual Property
PCT/US2018/066884 (Biosensor and Method for Detection of Analytes)
Publication
Whole-Cell Pseudomonas aeruginosa Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Aptasensor
doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04800
Contact
Richard Cox
574.631.5158