Microbe-imprinted polymers for rapid drug-resistant bacteria recognition

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a serious global health threat, highlighting the urgent need for novel strategies beyond conventional antibiotic therapies. This study explores the potential of microbe-imprinted polymers (MIPs) as innovative, pathogen-specific affinity agents. Utilizing microbial surface-initiated polymerization, MIPs are in-situ synthesized on the surface of target microbes, creating flexible heteropolymers that precisely replicate microbial surface structures. This method exhibits high affinity ( K D = 2.7×10 8 CFU/mL for E. coli ) and selectivity at the strain level. MIPs offer significant advantages over traditional antibodies, including greater stability, cost-effectiveness, and a broader spectrum of binding capabilities, making them effective for identifying and targeting various microbial strains, including unidentified or drug-resistant variants. Moreover, their favorable biocompatibility and functional resilience in diverse environments position MIPs as promising candidates for rapid pathogen detection and therapeutic applications. This research paves the way for advanced biomimetic materials in microbe-specific diagnostics and combating infections, addressing the critical need for effective tools in antibiotic resistance surveillance.