Novel label-free tool for infections diagnosis based on Nano-Electro Optical Tweezers

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K12701
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90130:Medical systems-related
• Research Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
• Principal Investigator: Kotsifaki Domna 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 量子技術のための光・物質相互作用ユニット, 客員研究員 (70834117)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Nanophotonics / Raman spectroscopy / Single-bacterium level / Bacteria detection

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The distinction between causes of acute infections is a major clinical challenge which is faced by humanity at the dawn of the 21st century. My project identified with high sensitivity the electro-optical properties and phenotypes of a single trapped bacterium by employing a novel approach based on the engagement of material science, nanophotonics and biomedicine in a short timescale. By using nanophotonic tools, I studied bacteria's detection, growth, survival, and reproduction mechanisms suspended in their natural environment to shed light on their behavior. By understanding these processes at the single-micro-organism level, we can gain deeper insights into microbial ecology, antibiotic resistance development, and the fundamental principles of cellular biology.

Free Research Field

Nanophotonics and Biophotonics

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Rapid and reliable identification of pathogenic bacteria is crucial across various fields such as healthcare, food safety, and environmental sciences. My research demonstrates a nanophotonic platform capable of providing valuable and repeatable bacterial information in liquid environments.