Gold Nanostars for the Detection of Foodborne Pathogens via Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Combined with Microfluidics

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrated the potential of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy combined with microfluidics for the detection and discrimination of foodborne pathogens. SERS-tagged gold nanostars were functionalized with a monoclonal antibody specific for Listeria monocytogenes. In the presence of L. monocytogenes, a SERS signal corresponding to the SERS tag paired to the antibody was detected in real time and in continuous flow, enabling the discrimination of L. monocytogenes and Listeria innocua in just 100 s. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that SERS tags have been used for the in-flow detection of living organisms.