D-alanyl-D-alanine-Modified Gold Nanoparticles Form a Broad-Spectrum Sensor for Bacteria
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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Gold Nanoparticle Modified Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes for Enhanced Neurochemical Detection
Published on: May 13, 2019
Xinglong Yang1,2,3,4, Yan Dang5, Jinli Lou5
1CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Lab for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Beijing Engineering Research Center for BioNanotechnology, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, China.
Abstract:
Rationale: Rapid and facile detection of pathogenic bacteria is challenging due to the requirement of large-scale instruments and equipment in conventional methods. We utilize D-amino acid as molecules to selectively target bacteria because bacteria can incorporate DADA in its cell wall while mammalian cells or fungi cannot. Methods: We show a broad-spectrum bacterial detection system based on D-amino acid-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs serve as the signal output that we can monitor without relying on any complex instruments. Results: In the presence of bacteria, the AuNPs aggregate and the color of AuNPs changes from red to blue. This convenient color change can distinguish between Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This system can be applied for detection of ascites samples from patients. Conclusion: These D-amino acid-modified AuNPs serve as a promising platform for rapid visual identification of pathogens in the clinic.
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