Bacillus spp. Cells Captured Selectively by Phages and Identified by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Technique

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), has been employed as a rapid and accurate tool for recognition and classification of different microorganisms. The vibrational spectrum intrinsically provides the fingerprint of the molecular structure of microorganisms, without sample preparation. The characterization of Bacillus spp., used as a simulants of the dangerous Bacillus anthracis by means of SERS technique has been carried out. The positive results on the use of the SERS substrate functionalized with phages specific for bacteria are showed. This work is a part of the RAMBO project (Rapid Air particle Monitoring against BiOlogical threats) funded by EDA (European Defense Agency) whose goal is the development of an advanced “detect to warn sensor” of cells and spores of dangerous bacteria, with high performance, good selectivity and reliability