What question did this study set out to answer?

To develop a rapid, one-step, label-free colorimetric sensor for broad-spectrum bacterial detection using competitive electrostatic interactions between poly-L-lysine and gold nanoparticles.

August 20, 2026Analytical Chemistry

Rapid Broad-Spectrum Colorimetric Detection of Bacteria Using Polylysine-Mediated Gold Nanoparticle Aggregation

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To develop a rapid, one-step, label-free colorimetric sensor for broad-spectrum bacterial detection using competitive electrostatic interactions between poly-L-lysine and gold nanoparticles.
Engineered an assay where cationic poly-L-lysine (PLL) aggregates anionic citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), producing a red-to-blue shift that is inhibited when bacteria bind PLL.
Optimized assay parameters (5 μg/mL PLL, 3 min incubation, 20 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.5) using Escherichia coli as a model analyte.
Assessed broad-spectrum detection across Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, alongside recovery testing in spiked tap and drinking water samples.
Enabled visual identification of broad-spectrum bacteria within 10 minutes without requiring complex labeling procedures.
Achieved a limit of detection of 720 CFU/mL for E. coli with a dynamic range from 10^2 to 10^7 CFU/mL (R² > 0.99).
Demonstrated reliable performance in spiked tap and drinking water, yielding recovery rates of 82–96% with coefficients of variation under 10%.

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Implication

In vitro experimental study demonstrates rapid colorimetric detection of bacteria in water samples, indicating strong potential for low-cost on-site contamination screening.

Cite This Study

Chen et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a86b57f8a91293e6a1ccf16 https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.6c02521

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Implication

In vitro experimental study demonstrates rapid colorimetric detection of bacteria in water samples, indicating strong potential for low-cost on-site contamination screening.

Rapid Broad-Spectrum Colorimetric Detection of Bacteria Using Polylysine-Mediated Gold Nanoparticle Aggregation

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Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Rapid Broad-Spectrum Colorimetric Detection of Bacteria Using Polylysine-Mediated Gold Nanoparticle Aggregation

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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