Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Foodborne Pathogen Screening Using Magneto-fluorescent Nanosensor: Rapid Detection of E. Coli O157:H7
Published on: September 17, 2017
Bacteria-Activated AuNP Plasmonic Coupling: One-Step Photothermal Platform for Pathogen Detection and Sterilization
Yi Wang1, Yi Wang2, Jiangling Wu3
1Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology of Active Substances (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis Materials and Technology, College of Chemistry, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China.
A new aptamer-stabilized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) biosensor offers rapid, instrument-free detection and destruction of Salmonella typhimurium. This innovative photothermal approach achieves high sensitivity and specificity in clinical samples, paving the way for advanced bacterial infection control.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biosensing
- Photothermal Therapy
Background:
- Bacterial infections necessitate rapid detection and destruction.
- Conventional methods are slow; existing biosensors lack clinical validation.
- Need for integrated diagnostics and therapeutics for bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop an aptamer-stabilized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) based photothermal system.
- Integrate bacterial identification, detection, and destruction.
- Provide a clinically translatable solution for bacterial infection control.
Main Methods:
- Utilized aptamer-stabilized AuNPs for localized surface plasmon resonance.
- Exploited aptamer detachment-induced AuNP aggregation for signal amplification.
- Employed near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion for detection and destruction.
- Instrument-free detection using a digital thermometer.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid (<1 h) detection of Salmonella typhimurium with 49 CFU/mL sensitivity.
- Demonstrated high specificity and robust performance in clinical samples (86.67% accuracy).
- Photothermal effect achieved >90% bacterial destruction, preventing secondary contamination.
Conclusions:
- The aptamer-AuNP photothermal system offers a cost-effective, rapid, and integrated solution.
- The approach is versatile for detecting diverse pathogens by changing aptamers.
- This technology bridges diagnostics and therapeutics for effective bacterial infection management.
