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Highly sensitive label-free dual sensor array for rapid detection of wound bacteria
1School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale Innovation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|November 15, 2016
Summary
New dual electrochemical sensors detect wound infections early by monitoring pH and bacterial attachment. This rapid detection aids antibiotic treatment and combats antibiotic resistance, even in challenging environments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
Background:
- Wound infections pose a global health challenge, necessitating rapid detection for effective treatment.
- Timely diagnosis is crucial for mitigating infection severity and preventing antibiotic resistance.
- Current diagnostic methods may lack the speed and real-time monitoring capabilities required for optimal wound care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate dual electrochemical sensor arrays for real-time monitoring of wound infections.
- To assess the sensitivity, stability, and specificity of the developed sensors.
- To demonstrate the sensors' ability to track bacterial growth and response to antibiotics in simulated wound conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of biocompatible polymeric coatings for electrochemical pH and cell-attachment sensor arrays.
- Integration of sensors to promote bacteria attachment while preventing non-specific fouling.
- Testing sensor performance with varying bacteria concentrations, pH ranges, and over extended periods (14 days).
- Evaluation in simulated shallow wound conditions with both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Main Results:
- Achieved high sensitivity for bacteria detection (10^2 CFU/mL) and pH sensing (-88.1±6.3mV/pH).
- Demonstrated sensor stability over 14 days without biological recognition elements.
- Successfully monitored bacterial growth phases (lag and log) and response to antibiotic treatment.
- Validated performance in simulated shallow wound environments with diverse bacterial species.
Conclusions:
- The developed dual electrochemical sensor array offers a promising tool for real-time, in situ wound infection monitoring.
- Its high sensitivity, stability, and resistance to fouling support potential use in low-resource settings.
- This technology can aid in timely diagnosis, guiding effective antibiotic strategies and combating antimicrobial resistance.
