Discriminating Between Living and Dead Bacteria With a Field-Effect Transistor Based on Nano-Channels

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Biosensing

Background:

• Current biosensors struggle to distinguish between live and dead bacteria, which is critical for assessing contamination.
• On-site, real-time bacterial detection requires advanced biosensing technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biosensor capable of distinguishing between live and dead bacteria.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of the Meta-Nano-Channel field-effect transistor (MNC FET) for bacterial viability discrimination.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Meta-Nano-Channel field-effect transistor (MNC FET) biofunctionalized with E. coli antibodies.
• Performed label-free, real-time sensing in a complex biological fluid (Lysogeny Broth) without sample pre-processing.
• Validated viability discrimination by comparing MNC FET responses to live E. coli with denatured or metabolically inhibited bacteria.

Main Results:

• Achieved specific, quantitative, and real-time detection of E. coli with a limit-of-detection of a single bacterium.
• Demonstrated excellent linearity and sensitivity in bacterial detection.
• Successfully distinguished between live and dead E. coli bacteria using the MNC FET platform.

Conclusions:

• The MNC FET offers a powerful new tool for discriminating bacterial viability.
• This technology advances the development of biosensors for accurate contamination assessment and public health applications.