Magneto-electrochemical biosensing for pathogen detection using nuclease-responsive nanohybrids
MICROCHIMICA ACTA, vol.193, no.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 193 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s00604-026-08087-3
- Journal Name: MICROCHIMICA ACTA
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Istanbul University Affiliated: No
Abstract
The development of sustainable and highly sensitive diagnostic platforms is critical for rapid pathogen identification and effective disease management. Here, a green, magneto-electrochemical biosensing strategy is reported for the selective detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae based on pathogen-specific nuclease activity. Uniform organic-inorganic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles were synthesized via an ultrafast UV-initiated emulsion polymerization within 5 min using an eco-friendly approach. The nanoparticles were sequentially functionalized by in situ deposition of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and biomimetic polydopamine coating, enabling robust and high-density immobilization of nuclease-responsive oligonucleotide probes. The resulting PDA@SPION/POSS nanohybrids exhibit controlled size, preserved structural integrity, and strong superparamagnetic behavior, allowing efficient magnetic manipulation and electrochemical signal transduction. Upon exposure to S. pneumoniae, nuclease-mediated probe cleavage produces a pronounced electrochemical response, enabling label-free detection over a wide dynamic range (102-10(8) CFU mL(-)& sup1;) with a detection limit of 102 CFU mL(-)& sup1;. High selectivity against non-target bacteria highlights the specificity of the enzymatic recognition mechanism. This work establishes a sustainable and amplification-free biosensing platform with strong potential for rapid clinical diagnostics.