Combining fluorescent probes and biofunctional magnetic nanoparticles for rapid detection of bacteria in human blood

Detection of bacteria in human blood within two hours is achieved through the use of vancomycin-functionalized FePt nanoparticles in combination with a vancomycin-conjugated fluorescent probe, as shown in the figure (B: bacteria; Van: vancomycin; FLA: fluorescein amine). This promises to be a sensitive and rapid protocol for detecting bacteria in blood products or other targets in biological samples.