Colour test ‘sniffs out’ dangerous staph strains fast

Colour test ‘sniffs out’ dangerous staph strains fast

Researchers have developed a rapid colour-changing test that can distinguish between different strains of golden staph, including those likely to be virulent and antibiotic resistant.

Golden staph is a major human pathogen and is a leading cause of infection-related deaths globally, with more than a million fatalities each year. 

The test uses tiny gold particles that behave like artificial enzymes (nanozymes) combined with short DNA molecular binders to create colour “fingerprints” unique to each strain. These fingerprints can help separate high-risk strains from others and inform next steps of care. 

The fingerprint test can also indicate whether a strain carries markers associated with increased virulence, and whether it is likely to have antibiotic resistance.

Three RMIT researchers wearing yellow lab coats and safety glasses stand side by side in a laboratory. The researcher in the centre holds a multi well plate used for colour-based golden staph testing, with laboratory benches and equipment behind them.Left to right: Professor Rajesh Ramanathan, Dr Pabudi Weerathunge and Distinguished Professor Vipul Bansal, Founding Director of the Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility, in the laboratory with a plate used for colour testing of golden staph strains. Credit: Will Wright, RMIT University

Led by RMIT University, the research involved collaborators from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the US, the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in India and Western Sydney University.

Professor Rajesh Ramanathan said the team’s platform was a rapid, low-cost screening tool that could complement culture- and PCR-based tests. The test could be modified to spot different dangerous strains of other pathogens.

“Speed matters when you’re dealing with serious bacterial infections, and today’s gold-standard tests take time, specialist infrastructure or both,” said Ramanathan, from the Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility and NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory within RMIT’s School of Science. 

“The rapid test gives clinicians an early, evidence-informed ‘heads-up’ if an infection may be more aggressive or harder to treat.” 

Dr Pabudi Weerathunge from RMIT said the team deliberately built the system to capture subtle biological differences without needing prior knowledge of the bacteria’s surface. 

“Instead of hunting for one perfect target, we use a small panel of molecular binders that attach to different parts of the bacterial surface,” she said. 

“This is a practical pathway toward point-of-care style screening across clinical settings.”

Two RMIT researchers wearing yellow lab coats, safety glasses and gloves hold a clear plate toward the camera, showing multiple wells with different colour changes during a laboratory colour test, with benches and samples visible in the background.Professor Rajesh Ramanathan and Dr Pabudi Weerathunge, both from RMIT’s School of Science, examine colour changes during a laboratory test used to identify golden staph strains. Credit: Will Wright, RMIT University

Tested in simulated wound conditions

To assess how the sensor might perform in more realistic environments, the team tested it in simulated wound fluid spiked with different golden staph strains. 

The sensor produced comparable strain fingerprints in simulated wound fluid and showed stronger and faster responses in some cases. 

Nano-biotechnology company Nexsen is partnering with the Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility across clinical, veterinary and biosecurity diagnosis. 

“Working with a world class research team led by Distinguished Professor Vipul Bansal provides a translational edge,” Nexsen Managing Director Mark Muzzin said.

Bansal, Founding Director of the Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility, said working with industry was helping to move concepts from the lab into clinical practice.

“Our team continues to generate new sensing concepts, and working closely with industry means we can move faster toward real world impact.” 

‘Nanozyme aptasensor array for predictive sensing of virulent and antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains’ is published in the high-impact journal Small. (DOI: 10.1002/smll.202512266)

Other researchers on the study were Professor Tarun Sharma, Dr Wilson Wong, Associate Professor Mugdha Joglekar, Professor Anandwardhan Hardikar, Dr Mahdieh Yazdani and Professor Vincent Rotello.

The work was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery scheme and ARC Industry Transformation Hub funding, and the Ian Potter Foundation-supported facility infrastructure at RMIT.


Story: Will Wright

16 April 2026

Share

Return to RMIT News
16 April 2026

Share

  • STEM
  • Industry
  • Research
  • Nano & Microtechnology
  • Science and technology
Engage

Related News

based-abuse-perpetration-image.jpg

One in 15 adults has experienced AI-generated image-based abuse, study finds

Around one in 15 adults has experienced AI-generated image-based abuse, according to an RMIT University-led study.

renew-hub-1220x732.jpg

New research hub to advance renewable energy and resource recovery

RMIT will lead the RENEW Organics Hub, which will bring together academic, industry partners and government to support Australia's energy transition.

Sleeptite-rmit-team.jpg

Australian smart bedding flags risk of falls, secures US patent

Melbourne-based medtech company Sleeptite and RMIT University researchers have secured a US patent for smart bedding technology designed to monitor residents’ wellbeing in healthcare settings and identify falls risk so carers can intervene.

RMIT and RACV partner to trial the 'Pothole Patrol'.

‘Pothole patrol’ pilot hits the road with AI-powered road defect monitoring 

RMIT has partnered with RACV to trial an innovative technology that could transform how roads are monitored for potholes and other infrastructure damage. 

Show more
aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information