A new technique has been developed for identifying bacteria in its ambient environment using mass spectrometry — called desorption electrospray ionization. This technique could be used for creating a new class of fast, accurate detectors. It can be applied in a wide range from food safety to homeland security.
Thanks to the researchers at Purdue University for developing this new technique. Unlike a conventional bacteria-analyzing mass spectrometer, the new technique could rapidly detect, precisely identifying bacteria, which includes even the dangerous E. coli. So, bid a good bye to the time-consuming treatments usually required against E. coli related infections.
R. Graham Cooks, the Henry Bohn Hass Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in Purdue’s College of Science said,
This is the first time we’ve been able to chemically analyze and accurately identify the type of bacteria using a mass spectrometer without any prior pretreatment within a matter of seconds.
There is always an advantage to the analysis of living systems because the bacteria retain their original properties.
Illustration Credit: Purdue University, Department of Chemistry
