A modular yeast biosensor for low-cost point-of-care pathogen detection

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biosensor Development
• Microbiology and Pathogen Detection
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Effective pathogen surveillance networks require accessible, on-site detection methods.
• Existing methods can be complex, expensive, or require specialized equipment.
• Need for rapid, specific, and cost-effective diagnostic tools for global health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, specific, and inexpensive on-site colorimetric assay for pathogen detection.
• To create a rapid dipstick biosensor prototype for detecting fungal pathogens in diverse sample types.
• To establish a scalable platform for global pathogen surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (yeast) as a genetically tractable model organism.
• Integrated G protein-coupled receptors with a reagent-free lycopene readout for colorimetric detection.
• Developed and optimized a one-step rapid dipstick assay for complex samples (blood, urine, soil).

Main Results:

• Achieved differential detection of major human, plant, and food fungal pathogens.
• Demonstrated nanomolar sensitivity for pathogen-derived peptide detection.
• Validated the dipstick prototype's utility in complex biological and environmental samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed modular biosensor is a compelling platform for scalable global pathogen surveillance.
• The assay is nontechnical, highly specific, inexpensive, and requires no cold-chain storage or additional equipment.
• This technology enables rapid, on-site detection, significantly advancing pathogen surveillance capabilities.