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Shape-Encoded Functional Hydrogel Pellets for Multiplexed Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria Using a Gas Pressure
Jizhou Li1, Jinxia Xue1, Yu Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Ministry of Education), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
ACS Sensors
|August 2, 2022
Summary
A novel hydrogel sensor detects multiple bacteria using shape-encoded pellets and gas pressure. This affordable, rapid point-of-care test offers a new method for pathogen detection in various samples.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Background:
- Gas pressure sensing offers rapid, simple, and affordable signal readout for point-of-care testing (POCT).
- Multiplexed detection of pathogenic bacteria is crucial for public health and safety.
- Existing methods often require complex instrumentation and can be time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel gas pressure sensor for the simultaneous detection of two distinct pathogenic bacteria, *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Escherichia coli* O157:H7.
- To utilize a hydrogel platform with shape-encoded functional pellets for multiplexed bacterial capture and signal generation.
- To establish a rapid and specific dual-molecule recognition strategy for enhanced pathogen detection.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of spherical and square hydrogel pellets from sodium alginate, functionalized with nisin and ConA for specific bacterial capture.
- Development of aptamer-modified platinum-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@PtNPs) as signal probes.
- Utilizing Au@PtNPs to catalyze hydrogen peroxide decomposition, generating oxygen for amplified gas pressure signals.
- Monitoring gas pressure changes in closed containers using a portable pressure meter for bacterial quantitation.
Main Results:
- Successful development of a hydrogel-based sensor capable of multiplexed detection of *S. aureus* and *E. coli* O157:H7.
- Demonstrated a dual-molecule recognition mode combining shape-encoded hydrogels and Au@PtNPs for high specificity and sensitivity.
- Achieved amplified gas pressure signals proportional to bacterial concentrations, enabling accurate quantitation.
- Validated the sensor's performance in detecting target bacteria in diverse environmental, biological, and food samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel sensor provides a promising platform for rapid, sensitive, and multiplexed detection of pathogenic bacteria.
- The combination of shape-encoded hydrogel pellets and gas pressure readout offers a cost-effective and instrument-simple approach for POCT.
- This proof-of-principle study opens new avenues for advanced pathogen detection systems in public health and food safety.
