Research Information System
Analytical Chemistry, vol.97, no.25, pp.13103-13109, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Bacterial infections significantly impact public health, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance underscores the urgent need for rapid and accessible diagnostic tools. This study presents a novel bacteriophage-gated sensor for the selective detection of Escherichia coli. The sensor utilizes sulforhodamine B as a fluorescent reporter dye encapsulated in mesoporous silica particles, with bacteriophages acting as gatekeepers. Upon interaction with E. coli, the bacteriophages detach from the silica surface, releasing the dye and producing a measurable fluorescence signal. The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity for E. coli detection, with a detection limit of 101 CFU/mL achieved within 5 min. Integrated into a Point-of-Care Testing device, the system aligns with ASSURED criteria, offering affordability, sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use. The fluorescence response is detectable even by the naked eye using a simple LED lamp, enabling nonprofessional operation. Validation with real water samples confirmed the sensor’s accuracy, with results consistent with standard culture-based methods. This bacteriophage-gated sensor provides a low-cost, rapid, and reliable tool for bacterial detection with potential applications in environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics.