AuNPs/CNF-modified DNA biosensor for early and quick detection of O. tsutsugamushi in patients suffering from scrub typhus.

A novel approach has been developed for the detection of  56   kDa tissue - specific antigen  (TSA) gene of  Orientia tsutsugamushi  a causative agent of scrub typhus disease. The approach was developed by immobilization of 5' NH2 labeled ssDNA probe selective to 56   kDa   TSA  gene, to the surface of AuNPs/CNF modified screen-printed electrode. An electrochemical response was recorded with single stranded genomic DNA (ssDNA) of O. tsutsugamushi isolated from patient sample, using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrode surface was characterized by Field-Emission Scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy at each step of fabrication. The DNA biosensor shows optimum response within 50-60 s at room temperature (25 ± 3 °C). The sensor shows higher sensitivity [7849 (µA/cm ² )/ng DNA], fast response time (60 s), wider linear range (0.04-2.6 ng) with limit of detection of 0.02 ng/µl of ssDNA sample.
Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest in the publication.
(© King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology 2020.)