Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to rapidly detect and identify bacteria to the subspecies level.
Using a technique called desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and a mass spectrometer, researchers can chemically analyze and identify bacteria without pretreatment thus reducing to less than a minute a process that previously took several hours. Purdue scientists are also developing portable mass spectrometers that would allow the technology to be used outside the traditional laboratory setting.
Food safety, medical analysis and homeland security have been identified as potential applications for the new technology which allows the user to detect as little as one nanogram of bacteria in the air or on surfaces. Researchers in Purdue’s Department of Biological Sciences are also planning to apply the method to living bacteria contained in biofilm.
Source:
Purdue University News, December 28, 2006