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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
3D-printed chip for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus labeled with gold nanoparticles
Dagmar Chudobova1, Kristyna Cihalova, Sylvie Skalickova
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka, Brno, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dangerous pathogen occurring not only in hospitals but also in foodstuff. Currently, discussions on the issue of the increasing resistance, and timely and rapid diagnostic of resistance strains have become more frequent and sought. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design an effective platform for DNA isolation from different species of microorganisms as well as the amplification of mecA gene that encodes the resistance to β-lactam antibiotic formation and is contained in MRSA. For this purpose, we fabricated 3D-printed chip that was suitable for bacterial cultivation, DNA isolation, PCR, and detection of amplified gene using gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probes as an indicator of MRSA. Confirmation of the MRSA presence in the samples was based on a specific interaction between mecA gene with the AuNP probes and a colorimetric detection, which utilized the noncross-linking aggregation phenomenon of DNA-functionalized AuNPs. To test the whole system, we analyzed several real refractive indexes, in which two of them were positively scanned to find the presence of mecA gene. The aggregation of AuNP probes were reflected by 75% decrease of absorbance (λ = 530 nm) and change in AuNPs size from 3 ± 0.05 to 4 ± 0.05 nm (n = 5). We provide the one-step identification of mecA gene using the unique platform that employs the rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-use colorimetric method for MRSA detection in various samples.
Insights
A novel 3D-printed chip enables rapid, low-cost detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by identifying its mecA gene. This colorimetric method offers a simple, one-step solution for MRSA identification in diverse samples.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in healthcare and food industries due to increasing antibiotic resistance.
- Timely and rapid diagnostics for MRSA are crucial for effective control and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated platform for DNA isolation and mecA gene amplification for MRSA detection.
- To create a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly colorimetric method for identifying MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D-printed chip for bacterial cultivation, DNA isolation, and PCR.
- Utilized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probes for colorimetric detection of the amplified mecA gene.
- Employed the non-cross-linking aggregation of DNA-functionalized AuNPs for signal generation.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed chip successfully facilitated bacterial cultivation, DNA isolation, and PCR.
- MRSA presence was confirmed through specific mecA gene interaction with AuNP probes, indicated by colorimetric changes.
- AuNP aggregation resulted in a 75% decrease in absorbance at 530 nm and a size change from 3 nm to 4 nm.
Conclusions:
- A one-step, integrated platform for MRSA detection was successfully developed.
- The colorimetric method using AuNPs offers a rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-use approach for MRSA identification.
- This technology has potential applications in various settings for prompt MRSA screening.
