Targeted microorganism detection with molecularly imprinted polymer biosensors

Abstract

In this article, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical biosensor was developed for the detection of Enterococcus faecium, demonstrating exceptional selectivity and sensitivity in real urine samples. Our approach involved fabricating electrodes coated with bacteria-imprinted polypyrrole through electropolymerization. The surface characteristics of the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and non-imprinted polymer (NIP) coated electrodes were thoroughly characterized using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Remarkably, the MIP-coated electrodes exhibited superior conductivity, highlighting their efficacy in capturing Enterococcus faecium. By subjecting the MIP-based biosensor to Enterococcus faecium incubation, we successfully monitored impedance changes, enabling the detection of minute quantities of the bacteria with a limit of detection of 9 CFU/mL. The technology could successfully distinguish Enterococcus faecium from Enterococcus faecalis, a related bacteria species within the same genus, marking a significant advancement in clinical differentiation. Additionally, the biosensor selectively captured Enterococcus faecium and discriminated it from other common bacteria, including Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This research underscores the utility of MIP-based electrochemical biosensors for the rapid and selective detection of Enterococcus faecium in clinical settings, with implications for targeted antibiotic therapy and infection control.