Synergistic enhancement via plasmonic nanoplate-bacteria-nanorod supercrystals for highly efficient SERS sensing of food-borne bacteria

•Novel 3D nanoplate-bacteria-nanorod supercrystals for ultimate SERS enhancement.•Superior multifold increase in Raman scattering by synergetic plasmonic enhancement.•Detection and recognition of three common contamination bacteria and their mixtures.•Detection of the ratio of the components within bacteria mixes.•Reliable and fast recognition of bacterial contamination within soft drink.