Bacterial identification and diagnosis of bacterial infections through genomics, proteomics, nanotechnology, machine learning, and microelectromechanical systems

In the 21st century, conventional techniques for elucidating specific gene sequences and molecular components for bacterial identification, characterization, and classification are being replaced. Genomics and proteomics have introduced novel tools and techniques to fulfill various clinical and research goals. Most molecular approaches for identifying bacteria are based on DNA amplification or sequencing. These techniques range from straightforward DNA amplification-based procedures to more intricate ones based on mass spectrometry, targeted gene and whole-genome sequencing, and restriction fragment analysis. In addition, methods based on distinctive protein signatures, including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and related variants, are being investigated. Herein, we briefly discuss traditional diagnostic laboratory methods for identifying pathogenic bacteria and explain the use of genotypic and proteomic technologies while providing an overview of the combined approaches of both methods. Moreover, various applications of nanotechnology (i.e., immune-based nanosensors, aptasensors, etc.), lab-on-a-chip techniques, machine learning technology, microelectromechanical systems, and Raman spectroscopy techniques in bacterial identification and diagnosis are summarized.