Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
Published on: February 1, 2018
Plasma-Functionalized Isotactic Polypropylene Assembled with Conducting Polymers for Bacterial Quantification by NADH
Brenda G Molina1, Luis J Del Valle1, Jordi Casanovas2
1Departament d'Enginyeria Química and Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Barcelona, 08019, Spain.
This study presents a novel electrochemical sensor for rapid bacterial detection on medical implants. The sensor utilizes conducting polymers to detect nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), enabling early identification of infections and prevention of antibiotic-resistant biofilms.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Biofilm formation on medical implants leads to persistent bacterial infections.
- Early detection of bacteria is crucial to prevent biofilm development and antibiotic resistance.
- Current detection methods can be slow, delaying necessary treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a smart electrochemical sensor for rapid bacterial detection on implantable medical devices.
- To utilize conducting polymers for sensitive detection of bacterial biomarkers.
- To create a reliable method for distinguishing bacterial presence in biomedical implants.
Main Methods:
- Chemical assembly of conducting polymer (CP) nanoparticles on oxygen plasma-functionalized isotactic polypropylene (i-PP).
- Anodic polymerization to create a second, highly electroactive CP layer on the i-PP substrate.
- Electrochemical detection of extracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) released by bacterial respiration.
Main Results:
- The developed i-PPf/CP2 material demonstrated high electrochemical activity and stability.
- The sensor detected the electro-oxidation of NADH with a sensitivity of 417 µA cm⁻².
- A low detection limit of 0.14 × 10⁻³ M for NADH was achieved, suitable for bacterial detection.
Conclusions:
- The integrated electrochemical sensor offers a promising approach for rapid bacterial infection detection in biomedical implants.
- The method effectively distinguishes bacterial presence by sensing extracellular NADH.
- This technology can aid in the early diagnosis and management of implant-associated infections.
