Biosensors as Powerful Tools for Campylobacter Spp. Detection
TL;DR
Biosensors such as mass-sensitive, amperometric, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), impedimetric, surface-plasmon resonance (SPR), conductometric, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and diffractive optics have been developed for bacterial identification, highlighting their potential for rapid food safety monitoring and clinical diagnosis.
Abstract
Abstract Campylobacter spp. of the Campylobacteriaceae family are spiral-shaped, Gram-negative, zoonotic pathogens. These microaerophilic, thermophilic bacteria flourish at temperatures of 37–42 °C. Campylobacter spp. are known pathogens of animals (livestock, wild, and companion animals) and humans. They are also a major foodborne pathogen. Traditional culture-based detection of Campylobacter spp. is labor-intensive, requires 5 to 7 days for confirmation, and is often compromised by overgrowth of competing bacteria. While molecular methods are sensitive, they require specialized instruments and well-trained personnel, limiting their routine use for rapid on-site detection. Analytical biosensors have emerged as powerful tools for the real-time diagnosis of infectious diseases. Biosensors such as mass-sensitive, amperometric, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), impedimetric, surface-plasmon resonance (SPR), conductometric, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and diffractive optics have been developed for bacterial identification. Depending on the sensing platform, reported limits of detection range from a single bacterial cell per sample to about 104 CFU/ml, with several biosensors providing results within minutes to a few hours, highlighting their potential for rapid food safety monitoring and clinical diagnosis. This review elaborates on various types of biosensors for the diagnosis of Campylobacter spp. and related species.