Fluorescent sensor array for rapid and accurate multiplexed pathogen identification

The challenge of antimicrobial resistance is caused by delayed and inaccurate pathogen identification. It results in the existing diagnostic methods being unable to guide the appropriate use of antibiotics. This indicates that a rapid diagnostic platform is needed in clinical conditions. Therefore, an array sensor that utilizes the mechanism of bacterial activity for rapid identification is valuable.

We developed an activity-driven fluorescent sensor array. It consists of four targeted polymeric nanoprobes, each functionalized with specific recognition motifs, including phenylboronic acid and saccharides. After incubation with bacteria, the nanoprobes produced distinct fluorescence response patterns that reflected differences in energy-dependent behavior. Six pathogens were identified with an accuracy of 96.6% in 30 min, and also discriminated between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains.

Subsequent mechanism studies have demonstrated that the discriminatory ability comes from differences in receptor recognition and metabolic activity. This work presents a sensing method that focuses on the dynamic physiological absorption process. The sensor array provides a rapid and accurate tool for pathogen detection and resistance analysis, meeting the critical need in addressing antimicrobial resistance.