Fig. 1: Remote detection of pathogens.
From: Remote near infrared identification of pathogens with multiplexed nanosensors
(1) Multiple nanosensors based on NIR fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are synthesized in such a way that they change their fluorescence signal in response to bacterial metabolites and virulence factors (cell wall components, iron chelating molecules, secretory enzymatic activity). (2) Eight fluorescent nanosensors and one NIR fluorescent reference are incorporated into a polyethylene glycol hydrogel array that is remotely monitored in the NIR. (3) Bacteria growing on top of this hydrogel release molecules that change the (spatial) sensor array fingerprint, which allows us to differentiate important pathogens. (4) By using chirality-purified SWCNTs, multiple sensors can be spectrally encoded and used for hyperspectral differentiation of important bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
