An electrochemical biosensor for detecting pathogenic bacteria based on hybrid nanocomposites

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety Engineering

Background:

• Foodborne pathogens pose significant risks to public health.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for food safety.
• Existing detection techniques can be time-consuming or require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative electrochemical biosensor for sensitive and specific detection of foodborne pathogens.
• To integrate organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites with lateral flow immunochromatography and screen-printed electrodes.
• To create a miniaturized and intelligent biosensing platform compatible with smartphones.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an electrochemical biosensor using organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites.
• Utilizing lateral flow immunochromatography for pathogen capture and sandwich immune complex formation.
• Employing screen-printed electrodes and differential pulse voltammetry for signal detection.
• Incorporating ferrocene as a redox mediator within the detection system.

Main Results:

• The biosensor demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity for detecting foodborne pathogens.
• A minimum detection limit of 25 CFU·mL⁻¹ was achieved.
• The linear detection range spanned from 10² to 10⁸ CFU·mL⁻¹.
• Successful integration with smartphones was shown, enabling intelligent and miniaturized detection.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrochemical biosensor offers a promising tool for rapid and reliable foodborne pathogen detection.
• The integration of hybrid nanocomposites enhances biosensor performance.
• Smartphone compatibility facilitates point-of-care applications and broadens accessibility for food safety monitoring.