One-pot rapid visual detection of E. coli O157:H7 by label-free AuNP-based plasmonic-aptasensor in water sample

Abstract

Access to clean water for irrigation and drinking has long been a global concern. The need for fast, precise, and cost-effective methods to detect harmful bacteria like Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotype O157:H7 is high due to the potential for severe infectious diseases. Fortunately, recent research has led to developing and utilizing rapid bacterial detection methods. The creation of an aptamer-based biosensor (aptasensor) for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 using label-free aptamers and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is described in this study. The specific aptamers that can detect target bacteria are adsorbed on the surface of unmodified AuNPs to form the aptasensor. The detection is performed by target bacterium-induced aptasensor aggregation, which is associated with a red-to-purple color change under high-salt circumstances. We devised a quick and easy method for detecting bacteria using an anti-E. coli O157:H7 aptamer without the need for specialized equipment or pretreatment processes like cell lysis. The aptasensor could identify target bacteria with only as few as 250 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml in 15 min or less, and its specificity based on our test was 100%. This method not only provides a fast direct preparation process but also exhibits remarkable proficiency in promptly identifying the intended target with a heightened level of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, it can serve as an intelligent tool for monitoring water reservoirs and preventing the transmission of infectious diseases associated with EHEC.