Rapid chromatic detection of bacteria by use of a new biomimetic polymer sensor.

ABSTRACT: We present a new platform for visual and spectroscopic detection of bacteria. The detection scheme is based on the interaction of membrane-active compounds secreted by bacteria with agar-embedded nanoparticles comprising phospholipids and the chromatic polymer polydiacetylene (PDA). We demonstrate that PDA undergoes dramatic visible blue-to-red transformations together with an intense fluorescence emission that are induced by molecules released by multiplying bacteria. The chromatic transitions are easily identified by the naked eye and can also be recorded by conventional high-throughput screening instruments. Furthermore, the color and fluorescence changes generally occur in shorter times than the visual appearance of bacterial colonies on the agar. The chromatic technology is generic an

SUBMITTER: Silbert L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1636204 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature