Combining fluorescent probes and biofunctional magnetic nanoparticles for rapid detection of bacteria in human blood

Abstract

An ultrasensitive procedure to detect bacteria in human blood or blood products using biofunctional magnetic nanoparticles in combination with a fluorescent probe is described. The presence of bacteria in blood components, particularly in the platelets are required to be monitored. The rate of bacterial contamination increases with the duration of storage of the platelet, as it has to be stored in room temperature. Magnetic nanoparticles were used as the platform for introducing Vancomycin (Van) to generate multivalent interactions, and capture the bacteria from the blood samples. This protocol allowed the detection of bacteria from the samples within two hours and had low sensitivity. The combination of magnetic manipulation and fluorescence eliminates the requirement for expensive or complicated instruments and allows implementation on a portable or hand-held device.