Multiplexed nanoplasmonic biosensor for one-step simultaneous detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in urine

Abstract

Development of rapid and multiplexed diagnostic tools is a top priority to address the current epidemic problem of sexually transmitted diseases. Here we introduce a novel nanoplasmonic biosensor for simultaneous detection of the two most common bacterial infections: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Our plasmonic microarray is composed of gold nanohole sensor arrays that exhibit the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT), providing highly sensitive analysis in a label-free configuration. The integration in a microfluidic system and the precise immobilization of specific antibodies on the individual sensor arrays allow for selective detection and quantification of the bacteria in real-time. We achieved outstanding sensitivities for direct immunoassay of urine samples, with a limit of detection of 300 colony forming units (CFU)/mL for C. trachomatis and 1500CFU/mL for N. gonorrhoeae. The multiplexing capability of our biosensor was demonstrated by analyzing different urine samples spiked with either C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae, and also containing both bacteria. We could successfully detect, identify and quantify the levels of the two bacteria in a one-step assay, without the need for DNA extraction or amplification techniques. This work opens up new possibilities for the implementation of point-of-care biosensors that enable fast, simple and efficient diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections.

Leveraging of MEMS Technologies for Optical Metamaterials Applications

“…In addition to metamaterials, nanophotonics is another branch of research direction for mid‐IR chemical sensing and functional applications, which is beyond the scope of this review. Many works related to SEIRA have been done to detect analytes in the gas phase, the solid phase (thin films), and the liquid phase (solutions) …”

“…The thin films of poly‐methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and ODT are the common analytes to characterize metamaterials sensing performance because they hold obvious fingerprints and are easy to functionalize on metamaterials resonator. During the last 10 years, many works were published utilizing various thin films of protein, lipid, DNA, and other biomolecular analytes . To overcome the limited detection of metamaterial resonators in the mid‐IR fingerprint region, Tittl et al proposed a hyperspectral imaging system using all‐dielectric metamaterial sensor array by varying the resonance wavelength of each sensor pixel, which enables bar‐code identification of molecules.…”

Construction of Plasmonic Nano‐Biosensor‐Based Devices for Point‐of‐Care Testing

“…POCT for pathogens may help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. A rapid and multiplex LSPR‐based diagnostic tool was developed to aim at the current epidemic problem of sexually transmitted diseases . The nano‐biosensor for simultaneous detection of the two most common bacterial infections ( Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae ) was based on gold nanohole arrays.…”

One-Step Rapid Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Particles via Low-Cost Nanoplasmonic Sensors in Generic Microplate Reader and Point-of-Care Device

“…The low-cost nanoplasmonic sensor chips were made by the method previously reported 27,28 , and this method allows for large-scale manufacturing with high uniformity and repeatability ( Figure 1b). Owing to the specially designed periodic nanostructures, without any external coupling optics, the plasmon resonance wavelength and intensity change on the virus-capturing sensor can be simply observed by transmission light spectroscopy or imagin 29,30 . Therefore the nanoplasmonic sensor chips can be integrated with microwell plate or microfluidic cuvette, and the measurements are carried out in both ubiquitous generic microplate readers and a low-cost handheld point-of-care testing device 27,28 .…”