RamanBioAssay platform for fast and comprehensive characterization of pathogenic bacteria

Bacterial infections contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Identification of bacteria and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing are important tools to mitigate the severe economic and medical implications. To realize the full benefit of bacteria characterization, test results must be available as soon as possible which requires innovative approaches for rapid testing. Label-free and non-destructive Raman spectroscopy is a promising tool enabling rapid analysis of biological samples. To facilitate the transition from research lab to real-world diagnostics, robust and easy to use sampling units are needed. The RamanBioAssay™ is a hygienic and flexible multi-well platform for rapid bacteria identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing compatible with different sample origins, including bacteria from the human body. Bacteria, which have been separated from the sample matrix, are interacting with various antibiotics in different concentrations for a brief period of 90 min. Molecular changes caused by the antibiotic can be probed by spontaneous Raman spectroscopy. The spectroscopic results are translated into resistograms using statistical data analysis. As different bacteria have different spectral fingerprints, the identification of bacteria in conjunction with antimicrobial susceptibility testing is possible without the need for additional measurements or instrumentation. The test turnaround time from bacterial sample to results is ≤ 3.5 h which qualifies the RamanBioAssay™ as a rapid diagnostic platform.