Nanomaterials-based microbial sensor for direct electrochemical detection of Streptomyces Spp.

By Hassan, Rabeay Y.A.; Hassan, Hassan N.A.; Abdel-Aziz, Mohamed S. & Khaled, Elmorsy
Published in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical NULL 2014

Abstract

Since the detection of pathogens is necessary for identification and prevention of infectious diseases, development of new methods for rapid and reliable detection of pathogens is urgently needed. Certain Streptomyces species are considered pathogenic as they cause invasive infections. A nanomaterial based microbial sensor for direct determination of Streptomyces's viability was designed. By using a carbon paste electrode matrix (CPE), the effects of several nanomaterials on the direct detection of the target organism's viability were studied. Incorporation of nanomaterials into the electrode matrix produced a significant improvement of the oxidation current; however, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, 10%, w/w) exhibited the highest electrocatalytic performance. Generation of oxidation current through interaction of viable Streptomyces cells with the electrode surface was dependent on metabolic activity. Consequently, several bioelectrochemical factors, such as type of carbon source, cell viability, sensing time and scan rate have been optimized. In conclusion, the assay presented here has been utilized for monitoring the growth rate as well as the cell viability. Moreover, the response of Streptomyces to a beta-lactam antibiotic (meropenem) has been determined which would provide a convenient toxicity monitoring system that could be applied for diagnostics.

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