SISSA researchers, AI for rapid identification of pathogens

A collaborative undertaking between researchers at the ‘International School for Advanced Studies’ (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy, and Alifax has been initiated to improve and expedite the identification of infectious bacterial species. This team of researchers has developed an advanced technology, predicated on Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), through an innovative methodology. This technique facilitates the analysis of the infrared signal of the sample, yielding detailed information regarding the biochemical components of the microorganism responsible for the infection. According to Alessandro Laio, project manager for SISSA, the bacterial species recognition instrument has been refined through the implementation of sophisticated classification algorithms, which, when tested on empirical data, have demonstrated their efficacy in augmenting the diagnostic capability concerning the various pathogens responsible for human infections. Paolo Galiano, president of Alifax, stated that the alliance between research and the laboratory diagnostics industry is proving to be of paramount importance for both technological advancement and the enhancement of public health.