Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, have designed a unique graphene sheet that can detect the presence of e.coli bacteria that is one of the most common causes of food poisoning and urinary tract infections.
The scientists designed a low-cost acetate-based graphene sensor that can detect the presence of e.coli bacteria, even at concentrations as low as 10 lakh forming units per millilitres (cfu/ml). As the e.coli encounters the graphene sheet, the bacteria binds to it through a chemical process of creating holes in the sheet, thereby decreasing its resistance. The resistance of the graphene sheet can then be measured using a small device to detect the presence and amount of e.coli in the substance.
Previous research has shown that graphene can be used to detect and even kill bacteria.