A synergistic capture strategy for enhanced detection and elimination of bacteria

Despite the advanced detection and sterilization techniques available today, the sensitive diagnosis and complete elimination of bacterial infections remain a significant challenge. A strategy is reported for efficient bacterial capture (ca. 90-%) based on the synergistic effect of the nanotopography and surface chemistry of the substrate on bacterial attachment and adhesion. The outstanding bacterial-capture capability of the functionalized nanostructured substrate enables rapid and highly sensitive bacterial detection down to trace concentrations of pathogenic bacteria (10 colony-forming units mL^-1). In addition, this synergistic biocapture substrate can be used for efficient bacterial elimination and shows great potential for clinical antibacterial applications. Stuck fast: A strategy for efficient bacterial capture was developed based on the synergistic effect of surface nanotopography and surface chemistry on bacterial attachment. Packed silicon nanowires were functionalized with bacteria-binding molecules. The capture efficiency of the resultant substrate was greatly enhanced compared to surface-modified flat silicon, thus enabling highly sensitive detection and efficient elimination of bacterial pathogens.