Rapid and accurate identification of pathogens causing infections is one of the biggest challenges in medicine. Timely identification of causative agents and their antimicrobial resistance profile can significantly improve management of an infection, lower costs for healthcare, mitigate ever-growing antimicrobial resistance and in many cases, save lives.

Raman spectroscopy was shown to be a useful—quick, non-invasive, and non-destructive —tool for identification of microbes from solid and liquid media. Recent studies suggest that combination of Raman spectroscopy with optical tweezers has a potential for identification microbes directly from human body fluids (namely, urine). Therefore, we aim to prepare a compact device consisting of a microfluidic chip and optical tweezers systems (further in the text as “the compact device”), which can be, in combination with a commercial Raman spectrometer, used for detection and further characterization of microbes directly from human body fluids and their resistance/sensitivity to antimicrobial agents.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.

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