Electrochemistry-based Reporter Phage Detection Assay

Phage-based detection is based on the high selectivity of phages for specific bacterial targets. In phages based electrochemical assays, phages serve as key biorecognition elements. Creative Biolabs has established a comprehensive phage-based pathogen detection platform. Our extensive experience and attention to detail help us develop the best pathogen detection service at the lowest price to support your research.

Overview of Phages Based Electrochemical Sensors

In recent years, phage-based electrochemical sensors have emerged as an attractive technology for the biosensing of various analytes. A biosensor is a device that converts biological interactions into observable signals. A regular biosensor includes several vital elements: (1) Bioreceptors that can recognize the analyte in the sample; (2) Sensors such as electrochemistry and optics are capable of converting signals; (3) A detector that can record the signal. Because of their ability to capture and lyse host bacterial cells, phages can be used as recognition elements for the detection of bacteria.

Basic Workflow

A typical example is the electrochemical detection of E. coli in drinking water. The strategy is based on the use of engineered phage to isolate and concentrate target E. coli when bound to magnetic beads (MBs) and to facilitate detection by expressing gold-binding peptide-fused alkaline phosphatase (GBPs-ALP).

Fig.1 Schematic representation of the phage based electrochemical detection of E. coli. (Wang, 2019)

Advantages of Electrochemistry-based Reporter Phage Detection Assay

Compared with other biological receptors such as antibodies and aptamers, phages have several advantages in pathogen detection.

• High affinity - phages provide natural affinity to host pathogen cells.
• Safety - Phages infect pathogens and are safe for humans.
• Cost-effective - phages are cheaper to produce than antibodies and have a far longer shelf life.
• Specific to living cells - phages replicate only in living pathogens, so they can be used to detect bacterial viability.
• Modifiable - genetic and chemical modifications of phages tend to provide more stable properties.

What Can We Do?

Phage-based electrochemical sensors have attracted increasing attention due to their high specificity, sensitivity, and simplicity. In addition to serving as biological receptors, phages can be used to infect and lyse bacterial cells and then detect the released intracellular contents, such as enzymes and ions. At Creative Biolabs, phage-functionalized electrochemical sensors can be used to detect different strains in many different samples. In addition to pathogen detection, we have also applied this strategy to multiple fields. Our phage display technology can display different proteins or peptides on the surface of the phage that has a specific binding affinity to target molecules. These engineered phages can be used for the biosensing of many other analytes, including glucose, cancer cells, and antibodies.

Creative Biolabs is committed to providing the best one-stop reporter phage detection service, from detection system construction to result in analysis. If you are interested in phage-based pathogen detection services, please feel free to contact us for more information and a detailed quote.

Reference:

1. Wang, D.; et al. Phage based electrochemical detection of Escherichia coli in drinking water using affinity reporter probes. Analyst. 2019, 144(4): 1345-1352.