Nanoantenna for Bacterial Detection

Abstract Understanding the biology of bacteria is critical for exploiting their beneficial properties and preventing and treating bacterial diseases. It is well known that metal nanoparticles possess an excellent optical properties which depend on their metal species and dispersion states. Here, we demonstrate a nanometer-sized composite with high density of gold nanoparticles acts like excellent optical antennas, which permit sensitive detection and visualization of microorganism. By using antibodies, the nanoantenna can be engineered to recognize only specific bacterial species. This system provides a new technique that will allow for more sensitive detection of specific bacteria.