Detection of Sulfonamide Antibiotics Using an Elastic Hydrogel Microparticles-Based Optical Biosensor

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Sulfonamide antibiotics are widely used but pose environmental risks due to improper disposal and limited degradation.
• Existing lab-based detection methods are insufficient for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
• Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern linked to environmental contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, on-site biosensing assay for the detection of sulfonamide antibiotics.
• To utilize functionalized hydrogel microparticles and enzyme-substrate interactions for sensing.
• To provide a fast and straightforward method for environmental monitoring of sulfonamide contaminants.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel microparticles (50 μm) using microfluidics.
• Immobilization of dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) enzyme on a glass biochip.
• Development of a biosensing assay based on the specific binding of sulfonamide analytes to DHPS and hydrogel deformation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated specific detection of sulfamethoxazole, a common sulfonamide antibiotic.
• Achieved detection of sulfamethoxazole at concentrations above 10 μM.
• Established the groundwork for a point-of-use sensing technology.

Conclusions:

• The developed biosensing assay offers a fast and straightforward method for sulfonamide detection.
• This technology has the potential for on-site environmental monitoring of antibiotic contaminants.
• The approach addresses the need for accessible and inexpensive sensing technologies.