A triple functional sensing chip for rapid detection of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract

Here a triple functional sensing chip was created for L. monocytogenes detection by integrating three biomarkers (Listeriolysin O (LLO) at protein level, hly gene at genetic level, and acetoin at metabolic level). Liposome encapsulated catechol was used for LLO detection via LLO pore-forming ability. hly gene was specifically captured by using a thiolated capture probe on nanoporous gold (NPG). As an electroactive label, methylene blue was embedded in double-stranded structures to generate an electrochemical signal for hly detection. Combined with the electrocatalysis of NADH by NPG, the acetoin detection was achieved by measuring the consumption of NADH as a cofactor under acetoin reductase catalysis. Importantly, the L. monocytogenes detection results obtained by detecting three biomarkers using the chip can be mutually verified, which reduces the probability of false positives based on a single marker. Moreover, the detection time was reduced to about 90 min, making it a rapid and reliable tool for L. monocytogenes detection.