Silver nanostructured platforms for detecting Escherichia coli through Raman scattering spectroscopy “Proof of concept”

Abstract

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of nanostructured materials is a powerful technique that allows to reach ultrahigh levels of detection of several analytes. In the present study it was possible to identify the bacteria E. coli by using a novel nanostructured platform based on silver-capped nanopillars (AgNP) and SERS technique. AgNPs were fabricated by ion reactive etching and deposition of silver layers. The bacteria culture were prepared in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium at 37° by 4 hours. 5 μL of the bacteria were deposited on top of the surface of AgNPs and let it dry for 30 minutes. Subsequently the AgNP-bacteria system was analysed by Raman spectroscopy. A typical band of E. coli at 731 cm-1 was identified and this Raman vibration was used as a marker peak to detect the bacteria. Finally the novel AgNP could be used as a potential biosensor to detect nosocomial bacteria in intra-hospital environments.

Keywords

• plataformas nanoestructuradas de plata
• sers
• bacteria
• nanotecnología