"The detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has become a serious medical concern around the globe, as the number of reported cases increases every year, particularly in the United Kingdom.1 Infection with STDs, such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can result in long term health issues, such as infertility, reproductive tract cancer, and poor perinatal outcome. The successful treatment of these diseases depends on a quick and reliable method of diagnosis. The funded project aimed for the development of a detection method for bacteria, associated with STDs, based on bioelectrochemical techniques.
The project’s methodology is based on the identification of a redox couple, functioning as electron donor for bacterial oxidases, the specific binding of bacteria to a macroelectrode and the electrochemical recognition of immobilized bacteria at the macroelectrode. The proposed technique makes use of a biochemical test for aerobic bacteria, the oxidase test, by adapting it for electrochemical detection. In doing so, high selectivity is achieved by targeted binding of living bacteria to immobilized antibodies on an electrode, whereas sensitivity is strongly increased through the localized electrochemical detection of the oxidase test product.
The proposed detection principle has the potential to be transferred to all oxidase-positive bacteria. The detection method can thus find widespread use for a large number of pathogens in health, veterinary care, food, and pharma industries.
This project is structured into 6 main objectives: 1) Identification of a redox couple functioning as electron donor for bacterial oxidases, 2) Specific binding of bacteria to a gold macroelectrode, 3) Proof of concept: Combining objectives #1 and #2, 4) Controls: Testing for false-positive and false-negative results, 5) Varying target cultures, 6) Transfer of the chemical principle onto disposable screen printed electrodes towards the assembly of a biosensing device.
In conclusion, all objectives and work packages outlined in the proposal were achieved, whereby 7 manuscripts were published in scientific high quality peer-reviewed journals, including Chemical Science. Another manuscript is currently in preparation for submission. The established electrochemical concept for the detection of the pathogens E. coli and N gonorrhoea lead to the filing of a patent application and steps are currently underway to bringing the established chemical principle to the commercial market.
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