| abstract |
Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and / or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. For example, indicator particles, such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active nanoparticles, each associated with one or more specific binding members having affinity for one or more microorganisms of interest are complexed with specific microorganisms in a culture sample. The body can be formed. In addition, agitation of magnetic capture particles associated with one or more specific binding members having affinity for one or more microorganisms of interest is used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and complex it in a local region of the assay tube. The body can be enriched for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, precipitated, and redispersed so that the cultured sample can be re-validated multiple times during the incubation to provide real-time monitoring of the cultured sample. |