Omp85 genosensor for detection of human brain bacterial meningitis

Area of Science:

• Biosensor technology
• Molecular diagnostics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of bacterial meningitis.
• Rapid and accurate diagnostic methods are crucial for effective meningitis treatment.
• Current diagnostic techniques may require significant time and resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel electrochemical genosensor for the specific detection of Neisseria meningitidis.
• To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and stability of the Omp85 genosensor.
• To assess the potential of the genosensor for diagnosing meningitis directly from cerebrospinal fluid.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of a 5'-thiolated DNA probe targeting the Omp85 virulence gene onto a screen-printed gold electrode.
• Hybridization with Neisseria meningitidis single-stranded genomic DNA (ssG-DNA) from patient cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
• Electrochemical detection using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The Omp85 genosensor demonstrated high sensitivity, detecting as little as 6 ng of ssG-DNA in 6 μl of CSF.
• The assay provided results within 30 minutes, including a 1-minute response time.
• The genosensor exhibited good stability, maintaining performance for 12 months at 4°C.
• DPV analysis showed a sensitivity of 2.6 (μA/cm(2))/ng with a high regression coefficient (R(2) = 0.954).

Conclusions:

• The developed Omp85 genosensor offers a rapid, sensitive, and stable platform for Neisseria meningitidis detection.
• This biosensor holds significant potential for the early and accurate diagnosis of meningitis directly from clinical samples.
• The electrochemical approach provides a cost-effective and accessible diagnostic tool for resource-limited settings.