SERS-based aptasensor for culture-free detection of Escherichia coli in urinary tract infection diagnosis
Abstract A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based aptasensor was developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a major pathogen in urinary tract infections (UTIs). The sensor utilizes magnetic beads embedded with gold nanoparticles (MB-AuNPs) functionalized w...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Nano Convergence |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40580-025-00506-0 |
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| Summary: | Abstract A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based aptasensor was developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a major pathogen in urinary tract infections (UTIs). The sensor utilizes magnetic beads embedded with gold nanoparticles (MB-AuNPs) functionalized with capture DNA (cDNA) as both the SERS-active substrate and magnetic separation tool. The detection mechanism relies on an aptamer DNA-probe DNA complex: when the aptamer binds specifically to E. coli, the probe DNA is released and subsequently hybridizes with cDNA on the MB-AuNPs. This brings a Cy5 Raman label close to the gold surface, generating a strong SERS signal. The assay offers a one-step process, eliminating the need for bacterial culture or nucleic acid amplification, and completes within approximately 6 h. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a detection limit of 5.9 × 103 CFU/mL, well below the clinical threshold for UTIs, with a reliable calibration curve (R2 = 0.990). Selectivity tests confirmed high specificity for E. coli without cross-reactivity to other bacteria. Clinical evaluation using 21 urine samples showed high diagnostic performance: 100% sensitivity, 91% specificity, 95% accuracy, and 100% precision compared to standard urine culture. These results highlight the aptasensor’s potential as a rapid, sensitive, and specific alternative for UTI diagnosis in clinical settings. Graphical Abstract |
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| ISSN: | 2196-5404 |