Detection of microbial pathogens associated with diabetic foot ulcer using Raman Spectroscopy and gold nano-particle based approaches

In this study, we aim to address the urgent need for improved diagnostic tools for identifying microbial pathogens associated with Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) by evaluating the efficacy of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) in characterization of these pathogens. Chronic wounds in diabetic subjects can get infected by pathogenic microbes and if left untreated properly can even cause amputation of lower extremities. Hence, fast, reliable and sensitive diagnostic tools are the need of the hour. In this study, we aim to assess the accuracy and clinical applicability of SERS as well as use of gold-nanoparticles based diagnostic technique for rapid and accurate identification of microbial species associated with infected DFUs. The study explores the potential of these techniques to revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics in the context of DFUs, leading to improved patient outcomes and targeted therapeutic interventions.