Noise for health: Phage-based rapid bacterial identification method

Recently, the authors have developed and demonstrated a novel sensing technology, named SEPTIC (SEnsing of Phage-Triggered Ion Cascades), for the rapid, inexpensive and specific identification of bacteria. The method combines the specificity and fast response of the bacteriophage ("phages"; viruses that specifically detect and kill bacteria) with the sensitivity of the nano-scale fluctuation-enhanced sensing. In its prototype form based on a nanowell chip, SEPTIC has already been shown to be capable of unambiguous identification of live bacteria on a time scale of seconds to minutes, many times faster than any other system. The technology is based on using noise analysis to detect the massive ionic fluxes associated with the initial step of bacteriophage infection, the injection of the phage DNA into the cell. Ultimately, sensors based on this new technology would be able to save many lives.