10.03.2025

Bacterial spores pose a serious challenge in healthcare and the food industry, as they can survive extreme conditions and cause infections or foodborne illnesses. Researchers at Umeå University have developed a highly sensitive detection method that could improve food safety and contamination control.

Image: Two researchers in a laboratory wearing white lab coats and purple gloves work with pipettes and petri dishes; copyright: Daniel Nilsson

Researchers develop a highly sensitive method using nanotechnology to detect bacterial spores in food and healthcare settings.

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Bacterial spores are dormant structures formed by certain bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions. These resilient microorganisms can withstand boiling water, radiation, and common disinfectants, making them difficult to eliminate. Once conditions improve, spores can reactivate and multiply, leading to contamination risks in hospitals, food production, and agriculture.

“Spores are highly problematic in hospitals and the food industry, as they can cause recurring contamination by attaching to surfaces and equipment, leading to illness, spoilage and costly cleaning measures,” explains Dmitry Malyshev, staff scientist at the Department of Physics and co-author of the article.

A new approach using nanotechnology

In an interdisciplinary study, researchers developed an ultra-sensitive detection method by integrating nanoscience and biophysics. “In this interdisciplinary study, we have developed a new, ultra-sensitive method to detect bacterial spores by combining nanoscience and biophysics,” says Jonas Segervald, a doctoral student at the Department of Physics and one of the researchers behind the discovery.

The method employs gold nanorods and laser technology to amplify signals from a unique molecule found in spores. Using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), the technique allows for the identification of bacterial spores at extremely low concentrations. This level of sensitivity enables early detection, allowing industries to take preventive measures before contamination spreads.

COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: Umeå University

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