S69 - Rapid detection and characterization of wild-type versus drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus using SERS

Sunday, October 5, 2025

7:15 PM - 9:15 PM EDT

Location: Ballroom C

Presenting Author(s)

UB

Uchhwas Banik (he/him/his)

Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
NP

North Pinkley

Graduate Student
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

Project Lead(s)

BS

Bhavya Sharma, PhD

Associate Professor
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

Submitter(s)

NP

North Pinkley

Graduate Student
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

In fifteen words or less, explain the significance of this contribution (Novel Aspect).: Using SERS to differentiate between wild type and tetracycline resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract Text: Staphylococcus aureus is a highly prevalent Gram-positive bacterium commonly found on human skin. While typically harmless in its commensal state, it can cause severe and potentially fatal infections depending on its phenotype and the site of infection. Multiple variants of S. aureus exhibit extreme antibiotic-resistant properties making them particularly difficult to treat using conventional therapies. Rapid and accurate detection of this pathogen, along with identification of its potential drug-resistant properties is critical for timely intervention and improved clinical outcomes. In this study, we present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based technique for the detection and quantification of S. aureus. The use of SERS significantly enhances both sensitivity and specificity, providing a dual-mode platform for clinical diagnostics. Our results demonstrate the potential of our SERS technique for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of S. aureus.