A Mycoplasma Genomic DNA Probe using Gated Nanoporous Anodic Alumina

A nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA)-based sensor system for the detection of Mycoplasma was developed through the implementation of "molecular gates" selective to the presence of this bacterium. The capped support showed a negligible cargo release, while presence of Mycoplasma genomic DNA resulted in the release of rhodamine B fluorescent dye. This sensor system presents a limit of detection of 20 genomic DNA copies⋅μL^-1 and was applied to the detection of Mycoplasma bacteria in competitive environments, such as culture cell media.