Lectin sensitized anisotropic silver nanoparticles for detection of some bacteria

A method of bacteria detection by sensitized anisotropic silver nanoparticles is presented. Anisotropic silver nanoparticles with two bands of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) are prepared and sensitized with potato lectin. These nanoparticles are able to detect three bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The interaction of these bacteria with such nanoparticles induces drastic changes in optical spectra of nanoparticles that are correlated with bacteria titer. The maximal sensitivity is observed for S. aureus (up to 1.5 × 104 mL−1).

Graphical abstractA novel approach for quantitative detection of bacteria in biological fluids was developed. Lectin sensitized anisotropic silver nanoparticles are able to bind Gram positive as well as Gram negative bacterial species. In this case the spectra of nanoparticles undergo serious changes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A novel approach for quantitative detection of bacteria in biological fluids was developed. ► Lectin sensitized anisotropic silver nanoparticles are able to bind as Gram positive as well Gram negative bacterial species. ► In this case the optical spectra of nanoparticles undergo a serious changes.