Richa Prakash, Central University of Punjab
Currently, we rely on the enrichment method for the detection and identification of any bacterial infection. This may include enrichment bacterial culture (increasing the number of the organism of interest to a level it can be detected) or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to amplify the nucleic acids to increase the analytes to be identified at a detectable level. But this method is ineffective concerning assay time and cost both and it also includes a complex procedure to be followed. But, researchers at McMaster University have developed an electrical assay that can detect bacterial infection rapidly without any complicated procedure. This group includes researchers from biochemistry, engineering, and medical backgrounds. They have developed a hand-held instrument that can give accurate and reliable test results in less than an hour. They have published a research paper in Nature Chemistry in June 2021, discussing the use and accuracy of this device in diagnosing UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) using clinical samples and are developing this new technique to detect and identify any other bacterial infection as well. They are aiming to adapt this device for rapid viral infection detection like Covid-19 and also markers of cancer.
How does this new device work?
The hand-held device looks similar to the blood-glucose monitor device. The device works on electrical DNA-based technology and uses a microchip for the analysis of body fluids (blood, saliva, or urine) using molecules detecting the unique protein target/signature of an infection. The protein signatures of any infection are detected using electroactive RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (e-RCDs) and this generates a DNA barcode that transduces an electrical signal on the microchip. The device is of the size of a USB stick and displays the test result by plugging it into a smartphone. To provide the analytical sensitivity and test specificity, they have integrated the electroactive RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (e-RCDs) into a two-channel electrical microchip containing nanostructured electrodes.
What are RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (RCDs)?
RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (RCDs) are responsible for the catalysis of a single RNA linkage cleavage fixed within a strand of DNA. The structure of an RCD consists of an RNA cleavage site, a catalytic core, and two binding arms. The cleavage results in two short nucleic acid fragments, a 2’-3’ cyclic phosphate, and a 5’-OH terminal. This cleavage is highly specific and even a single base mismatch can lead to decreased cleavage efficiency. The RCD can be utilized in biorecognition by hybridizing an enzyme strand and a substrate strand forming a DNA-duplex and in the presence of the target (Protein signature in this case), the enzyme strand modifies into its defined 3-D structure and then catalyzes the cleavage of substrate strand. Signals of binding of the target can be obtained by integrating this with signal transducer molecules.
According to the paper published by these researchers in Nature Chemistry, this assay has shown a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 78% within an hour in a study conducted using urine samples of 41 clinical patients. This new technology can distinguish antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant strains of the same bacteria leading to treatment with appropriate and effective antibiotics. The researchers at McMaster University are getting closer to adapt this technology for rapid detection of COVID-19. They are also are working on regulatory approvals and looking for industrial partners to bring this technology into the real world as soon as possible.
Conclusion:
This new technology would be a boon for both doctors as well as patients as it will reduce the time of infection diagnosis leading to a faster and efficient treatment. This will be helpful in the places where there is a limited or no excess to lab testings. The reduction in time of diagnosis will also lead to a reduction in inappropriate antibiotic use. Hence, helping to combat this global antibiotic resistance crisis.
Also read: Innovative shape–actuated electronic for Spinal Cord Stimulation
References:
- Pandey R, Chang D, Smieja M, Hoare T, Li Y, Soleymani L. Integrating programmable DNAzymes with electrical readout for rapid and culture-free bacterial detection using a handheld platform. Nat Chem. 2021 Jun 24. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-021-00718-x
- McMaster University. (2021, June 28). No Lab Required: New DNA-Based Technology Can Diagnose Infections in Minutes. Scitechdaily. https://scitechdaily.com/no-lab-required-new-dna-based-technology-can-diagnose-infections-in-minutes/
- Zhang, J. (2018). RNA-cleaving DNAzymes: Old catalysts with new tricks for intracellular and in vivo applications. Catalysts, 8(11), 550. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal8110550
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