Bacterial growth sensing in microgels using pH-dependent fluorescence emission

We report the development of a platform for sensing bacterial growth by observing pH change via a change in fluorescence. While the platform allows for the rapid detection of bacteria it is sensitive enough to detect even ∼10 4 CFU of bacteria. The platform can differentiate between resistant and non-resistant strains of E. coli in ∼4 to 6 hours, which is better than currently used clinical methods. Fast sensing of bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance by observing pH variation in microgels encapsulating bacteria and carbon dots.