Biosensors & Bioelectronics

The development of sensitive and efficient biosensors for metal detection is of paramount importance for various applications including environmental monitoring, food safety and medical diagnostics. This study presents a novel approach using an Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) platform as the foundation for a metal detection biosensor. By fusing EGFP with metal-binding peptides, the biosensor achieves enhanced specificity and sensitivity for targeted metal ions. The biosensor operates based on the principle that metal ions bind to the modified EGFP, inducing changes in its fluorescence emission spectrum. These alterations in fluorescence properties serve as quantifiable indicators of metal presence and concentration. The versatility of EGFP as a platform enables the development of biosensors tailored to detect specific metal ions, offering flexibility in addressing diverse metal contamination concerns. This technology offers several advantages, including real-time monitoring, rapid response and non-destructive detection. Furthermore, the biosensor's compatibility with various sample matrices and potential for miniaturization contribute to its applicability in field and point-of-care settings. The integration of an EGFP platform with metal detection enhances our ability to identify and quantify metal contaminants, contributing to improved safety and health across various sectors.

The safety and quality of food products are of paramount importance to public health. The presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) poses a significant threat to consumable goods. This study presents the development of a rapid electrochemical biosensor designed for the effective detection of pathogenic E. coli in liquorice extract. Leveraging the principles of biorecognition and electrochemistry, the biosensor offers a sensitive and specific platform for the direct identification of E. coli within complex food matrices. The biosensor design involves functionalizing an electrode surface with specific antibodies that selectively bind to E. coli antigens. Upon E. coli binding, a measurable electrochemical signal is generated, allowing for quantitative analysis. The electrochemical biosensor not only reduces detection time compared to traditional culture-based methods but also minimizes sample processing steps, enabling real-time monitoring and enhanced throughput.

Liquorice extract, a commonly used ingredient in various food and herbal products, can harbour microbial contaminants, including E. coli. The electrochemical biosensor's ability to swiftly and accurately detect pathogenic E. coli in liquorice extract addresses a critical need for quality assurance and consumer safety. Its specificity ensures minimal false positives, while its rapidity facilitates timely interventions in food processing and distribution chains. In validation experiments, the electrochemical biosensor demonstrated high sensitivity and reproducibility for detecting pathogenic E. coli strains spiked into liquorice extract. The results underscore the biosensor's potential to become an essential tool for ensuring the safety of food products and raw materials, contributing to the prevention of foodborne illnesses and safeguarding public health.

The increasing global threat of antimicrobial resistance necessitates innovative approaches for the rapid evaluation of antibiotic efficacy on microbial cells. This study introduces a novel method utilizing electroacoustic biosensor systems to assess the impact of antibiotics on microbial viability and behaviour. These biosensors combine acoustic wave technology with biological interfaces to detect subtle changes in cell properties induced by antibiotic exposure. By interfacing with microbial cells, the biosensor system offers real-time, label-free and non-invasive monitoring of cellular responses to antibiotics. The biosensor's principle is based on the measurement of changes in acoustic wave properties, such as frequency and impedance, resulting from cellular interactions. Antibiotic-induced alterations in microbial viability, membrane integrity and cellular adhesion can be accurately quantified through these changes. The biosensor system's versatility allows for the evaluation of a wide range of microbial species and antibiotic compounds, offering insights into specific modes of action and potential resistance mechanisms.

In regions endemic to S. japonicum, a parasitic flatworm causing schistosomiasis, timely and accurate detection of antibodies against the parasite is crucial for effective disease management and control. This study presents a novel approach to rapid and efficient antibody detection using a miniaturized biomedical sensor. The sensor is designed to specifically identify S. japonicum antibodies in human serum samples. By employing advanced microfabrication techniques, the sensor achieves enhanced sensitivity and specificity while minimizing sample and reagent requirements. The detection process is optimized for speed, providing results within a significantly reduced timeframe compared to traditional detection methods. This innovative technology holds great promise for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings, enabling timely interventions and contributing to the global efforts to combat schistosomiasis. The miniaturized biomedical sensor's potential to revolutionize the detection of antibodies opens avenues for early diagnosis and effective disease surveillance, ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health outcomes.