Bacteriophage-Activated DNAzyme Hydrogels Combined with Machine Learning Enable Point-of-Use Colorimetric Detection of Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: Developing cost-effective, consumer-accessible platforms for point-of-use environmental and clinical pathogen testing is a priority, to reduce reliance on laborious, time-consuming culturing approaches. Unfortunately, a system offering ultrasensitive detection capabilities in a form that requires little auxiliary equipment or training has remained elusive. Here, a colorimetric DNAzyme-crosslinked hydrogel sensor is presented. In the presence of a target pathogen, DNAzyme cleavage results in hydrogel dissolution, yielding the release of entrapped gold nanoparticles in a manner visible to the naked eye. Recognizing that Escherichia coli holds high relevance within both environmental and clinical environments, an E. coli-responsive DNAzyme is incorporated into this platform. Through the optim

SUBMITTER: Mann H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11756048 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature