5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Researchers developed a filtration-based SERS platform that captures bacteria on a gold-coated glass microfiber filter and amplifies their molecular signals with additional gold particles.

• 2

  In tests using Escherichia coli, the platform captured more than 99.9% of bacteria at the concentrations tested and detected levels as low as 1,000 CFU/mL.

• 3

  A 1-hour culture step improved the platform’s detection sensitivity to 10 CFU/mL.

• 4

  The platform distinguished Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae by their molecular fingerprints.

• 5

  In Escherichia coli tests, antibiotic responses to amikacin and ampicillin were distinguishable within 2 hours, but validation with patient blood samples and more pathogens remains necessary.