DNA-like fluorescent sensors are reported to identify M. tuberculosis, E. coli and P. putida bacterial strains in culture based on volatile metabolites. These DNA based chemosensors are able to differentiate bacterial strains of interest due to unique fluorescent profiles produced when exposed to the bacterial cultures. This method allows for quick detection of pathogenic bacteria in clinical samples through a fluorescent readout.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fluorescent DNA chemosensors: identification of bacterial species by their volatile metabolites
DNA-like fluorescent sensors are reported to identify M. tuberculosis, E. coli and P. putida bacterial strains in culture based on volatile metabolites. These DNA based chemosensors are able to differentiate bacterial strains of interest due to unique fluorescent profiles produced when exposed to the bacterial cultures. This method allows for quick detection of pathogenic bacteria in clinical samples through a fluorescent readout.
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This seems to be a promising technique. I was just curious about the sensitivity of the detection, what is the minimum amount of bacteria that can be detected?
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to know the specific molecules these sensors are responding to. Also, could you make sensors for secreted molecules that are not really volatile? It seems like if detection at low levels is your only application, then PCR already has that covered. My plant-parasitic nematodes seem to have a lot of bacterial genes from HGT. Wonder if they make volatiles too.
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