Toward Continuous Molecular Testing Using Gold-Coated Threads as Multi-Target Electrochemical Biosensors.

Area of Science:

• Biosensor technology
• Electrochemical analysis
• Nucleic acid amplification

Background:

• Isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) with electroanalytical detection offer cost-effective, sensitive, and specific pathogen detection.
• Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces are established platforms for DNA biosensors.
• Traditional chip-based systems face limitations in automation and scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a continuous thread-based device for automated and scalable electrochemical DNA detection.
• To enable multiple readings from a single connection point on a functionalized gold thread.
• To demonstrate a high-throughput, roll-to-roll compatible system for pathogen surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a continuous thread-based working electrode using functionalized gold.
• Integration of isothermal nucleic acid amplification, specifically recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA).
• Implementation of a sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) with electrochemical readout for DNA detection.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a novel thread-based biosensor platform for electrochemical DNA detection.
• Successfully detected isothermally amplified DNA from toxic microalgae species Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Ostreopsis cf. siamensis.
• Showcased the potential for roll-to-roll processing and high-throughput analysis.

Conclusions:

• The proposed thread-based device overcomes limitations of traditional chip-based systems, offering enhanced automation and scalability.
• This technology provides a cost-effective, sensitive, and specific method for digital pathogen detection.
• The system is suitable for diverse in situ applications, including medical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring.