Contents: (Small 22/2014)

On-line multiplex SERS detection of pathogenic bacteria is demonstrated at a single-cell level. On page 4700, L.-K. Chau, C.-Y. Yang, and co-workers prepare SERS nanoprobes via immobilization of antibodies on silica-coated, dye-induced aggregate beads of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The beads give an enhanced Raman signal due to well-defi ned plasmonic hot spots at junctions between AuNPs. In combination with dielectrophoresis, they improve the sensitivity of SERS-barcode biosensing strategies beyond that of whole-cell ELISA. The practical detection limit over 10 min is 70 CFU mL -1 .