An ultrasensitive and culture-free detection platform for microorganisms and protein biomarkers


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We have developed an electrochemical immunoassay platform, which detects a range of disease-related targets including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protein biomarkers. The platform features a voltage-controlled signal amplification, which leads to ultrasensitive detection. The analytical performance of the platform has been validated with protein biomarkers and bacteria. The detected biomarkers include CA 125, PSA in serum and AMACR, a novel biomarker for prostate cancer, in serum and urine. The PSA and AMACR detections were performed on the femto gram/mL level. S100 B, a biomarker for traumatic brain injury, was detected in serum with a detection limit of 10 fg/mL level. Because of its ultrasensitivity, the platform detects bacteria directly in urine and whole blood without sample culture. We have detected E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, N. gonorrhroae, S. aureus, MRSA and S. pneumoniae in prepared and clinical samples. The current detection limit for bacteria is 3 CFU/mL in blood. We have demonstrated the platform’s capacity as a diagnostic technology for bacterial infections. The platform showed a detection- identification time of 84 minutes, and a time-to-result for antibiotics susceptibility testing of 204 minutes. We have conducted an independent (3rd party) validation of the platform.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: TechConnect Briefs 2019
Published: June 17, 2019
Pages: 431 - 434
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Diagnostics & Bioimaging
ISBN: 978-0-9988782-8-7