Bacteriophage-based biosensors technology: Materials, fabrications, efficiencies and shortcomings

Area of Science:

• Biosensor technology
• Microbiology
• Genetic engineering

Background:

• Bacteriophages (phages) are highly specific and accurate biological agents for pathogen detection.
• Phage-based pathogen-detecting biosensors (PBPDBs) offer rapid, label-free, and wireless detection with minimal false positives.
• Existing biosensor technologies face challenges in stability and multiplexed detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review fabrication methodologies and detection efficiencies of PBPDBs.
• To highlight the advantages of using bacteriophages in biosensor development.
• To discuss the potential of genetically modified phages for enhanced biosensing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing various biosensor platforms including SPR, ME, electrochemical, and QCM.
• Employing diverse substrates like gold, silicon, and magnetic particles, with chemical and physical modifications.
• Leveraging genetic modification of phages, including CRISPR/Cas9 technology, for targeted bacterial detection.

Main Results:

• PBPDBs demonstrate high specificity, accuracy, and rapid detection capabilities.
• Optimized substrate modification enhances bacterial capture efficiency.
• Genetically modified phages improve biosensor stability, efficacy, and enable multiplexed pathogen detection.

Conclusions:

• PBPDBs represent a significant advancement in healthcare diagnostics for bacterial pathogen detection.
• Genetic engineering of phages offers a powerful strategy to overcome limitations in traditional biosensors.
• This review provides insights for developing practical, precise, and efficient biosensors for pathogen surveillance.