Electrochemical detection of single E. coli bacteria labeled with silver nanoparticles

Biomater Sci. 2015 Jun;3(6):816-20. doi: 10.1039/c5bm00114e. Epub 2015 May 7.

Abstract

A proof-of-concept for the electrochemical detection of single Escherichia coli bacteria decorated with silver nanoparticles is reported. Impacts of bacteria with an electrode - held at a suitably oxidizing potential - lead to an accompanying burst of current with each collision event. The frequency of impacts scales with the concentration of bacteria and the charge indicates the extent of decoration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Electrodes
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Silver / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Silver