Elucidating the nanointerface-enabled enzymatic cascade amplification mechanism for a precise self-powered strategy

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Nanomaterial Engineering
• Plant Pathology Diagnostics
• Enzymatic Biosensor Development

Background:

• Current methods for detecting sugarcane pokkah boeng disease lack portability and are prone to interference.
• Need for sensitive, reliable, and field-deployable diagnostic tools for plant pathogens.
• Advancements in nanomaterials and enzymatic biofuel cells offer potential for improved diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable enzymatic biofuel cell for detecting sugarcane pokkah boeng disease.
• To engineer a single-enzyme architecture for enhanced specificity and dual amplification.
• To integrate nanomaterials for improved photothermal conversion and electron transfer.

Main Methods:

• Designed a single-enzyme architecture utilizing Exo III-mediated molecular circuits for target recycling.
• Engineered heterostructured MoS2-AuNPs for efficient photothermal conversion (62.71%) and electron transfer.
• Incorporated bimetallic CuCo-MOF@C/PDA nanocomposites to enhance bioanode activity and system performance.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultra-low detection limits: 3.42×10⁻¹⁷ M (electrochemical), 1.08×10⁻¹⁷ M (colorimetric), and 1.78×10⁻¹⁵ M (photothermal).
• Demonstrated high signal fidelity (>96%) after long-term storage and validated in real sugarcane samples (97.3-104.4% recovery).
• Implemented a mathematical framework for triple-mode agreement, eliminating false positives and ensuring analytical redundancy.

Conclusions:

• The developed enzymatic biofuel cell redefines portable plant pathogen diagnostics.
• The platform offers laboratory-grade accuracy in a self-powered, mobile detection system.
• This work establishes a new paradigm for sensitive and reliable plant disease management.