Pyoverdine binding aptamers and label-free electrochemical detection of pseudomonads

Sharif Anisuzzaman1,2, Nima Alimoradi3, Dilini Singappuli-Arachchige1,4

  • 1Ames Laboratory, U. S. Department of Energy, Ames, IA, United States.

Frontiers in Chemistry
|August 16, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed DNA aptamers to detect Pyoverdine Pf5 (PVD-Pf5), a siderophore from Pseudomonas protegens. This innovation enables tracking P. protegens in soil and monitoring PVD-Pf5 production near plant roots.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biosensor Technology

Background:

  • Pyoverdines are iron-chelating siderophores produced by pseudomonads, crucial for microbial interactions in various environments.
  • Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 produces Pyoverdine Pf5 (PVD-Pf5), influencing plant growth and pathogen control.
  • Understanding P. protegens dynamics in soil requires methods to track its activity and PVD-Pf5 production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop specific DNA aptamers for recognizing and detecting PVD-Pf5.
  • To create a biosensor for monitoring PVD-Pf5 in environmental samples.
  • To facilitate the study of P. protegens in soil and rhizosphere.

Main Methods:

  • Selection of high-affinity DNA aptamers against PVD-Pf5.
  • Structural analysis of selected aptamers, including G-quadruplex investigation.
  • Integration of a PVD-Pf5-specific aptamer into a nanoporous aluminum oxide biosensor.
  • Testing biosensor specificity against other siderophores.

Main Results:

  • Two DNA aptamers with high affinity and specificity for PVD-Pf5 were identified.
  • One aptamer showed potential interaction with both the peptide and chromophore components of PVD-Pf5.
  • A PVD-Pf5-detecting biosensor was successfully developed using one aptamer.
  • The biosensor demonstrated specificity, detecting PVD-Pf5 while ignoring other siderophores.

Conclusions:

  • DNA aptamers can be effectively designed to target specific siderophores like PVD-Pf5.
  • Aptamer-based biosensors offer a promising tool for environmental monitoring of microbial metabolites.
  • This technology can advance research on P. protegens ecological roles and interactions.