Target recognition initiated reverse hybridization mediated cascade amplification for sensitive Pseudomonas

Xiaoyan Wang1, Jinli Hu2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, No 999 Zhongxing South Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City, 312000, Zhejiang Province, China.

Biotechnology Letters
|June 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A new fluorescent biosensor detects Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) with high sensitivity using a DNA three-way junction probe. This advancement offers rapid and accurate diagnosis for pediatric infections.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Infectious Disease Detection

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a major opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections, especially in children.
  • P. aeruginosa-associated meningitis presents severe clinical challenges in pediatric populations.
  • Accurate and sensitive detection methods for P. aeruginosa are crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel fluorescent biosensor for highly sensitive detection of P. aeruginosa.
  • To leverage a DNA three-way junction (TWJ) probe integrated with an aptamer for specific target recognition.
  • To enhance detection sensitivity through enzymatic amplification for improved clinical diagnostics.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a fluorescent biosensor incorporating a DNA TWJ probe with a P. aeruginosa-specific aptamer.
  • Utilizing aptamer binding to induce conformational changes in the TWJ structure.
  • Employing DNA polymerase/endonuclease-mediated strand displacement amplification for signal enhancement.

Main Results:

  • The biosensor demonstrated high specificity for P. aeruginosa detection.
  • Achieved a broad linear detection range from 10 to 105 cfu/mL.
  • Established an exceptionally low limit of detection of 4.12 cfu/mL.
  • Recovery studies confirmed the biosensor's reliability and robustness.

Conclusions:

  • The developed TWJ-based biosensor offers a sensitive and specific method for P. aeruginosa detection.
  • This innovative bio-sensing strategy shows significant potential for early and accurate diagnosis of pediatric infectious diseases.
  • The technology could improve clinical outcomes by enabling prompt identification of P. aeruginosa infections.