Gated Nanosensor for Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria Detection

TL;DR

A new nanosensor detects harmful bacteria in water pipes, enabling early intervention to prevent corrosion and damage.

Contribution

A novel gated nanosensor for detecting Desulfovibrio vulgaris DNA with high selectivity and sensitivity is developed.

Findings

The gated nanoporous alumina films selectively release rhodamine B upon detecting Desulfovibrio DNA.

The sensor works effectively in aqueous buffer and biological media.

The technology enables real-time in situ monitoring of bacteria in water supply networks.

Abstract

Desulfovibrio vulgaris is an anaerobic microorganism belonging to the group of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). SRB form biofilms on metal surfaces in water supply networks, producing a microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). This process produces the deterioration of metal surfaces, leading to high economic costs and different environmental safety and health problems related to its chemical treatment. For that reason, rapid and accurate detection methods of SRB are needed. In this work, a new detection system for Desulfovibrio has been developed using gated nanoporous materials. The probe is based on hybrid nanoporous alumina films encapsulating a fluorescent molecule (rhodamine B), whose release is controlled by an oligonucleotide gate. Upon exposure to Desulfovibrio’s genomic material, a movement of the oligonucleotide gatekeeper happens, resulting in the selective delivery of the entrapped rhodamine B. The developed material shows high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting Desulfovibrio DNA in aqueous buffer and biological media. The implementation of this technology for the detection of Desulfovibrio as a tool for monitoring water supply networks is innovative and allows real-time in situ monitoring, making it possible to detect the growth of Desulfovibrio inside of pipes at an early stage and perform timely interventions to reverse it.

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