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Agyabeng-Dadzie F, Xiao R, Kissinger JC. Cryptosporidium Genomics - Current Understanding, Advances, and Applications. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2024; 11:92-103. [PMID: 38813571 PMCID: PMC11130048 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-024-00318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Here we highlight the significant contribution that genomics-based approaches have had on the field of Cryptosporidium research and the insights these approaches have generated into Cryptosporidium biology and transmission. Recent Findings There are advances in genomics, genetic manipulation, gene expression, and single-cell technologies. New and better genome sequences have revealed variable sub-telomeric gene families and genes under selection. RNA expression data now include single-cell and post-infection time points. These data have provided insights into the Cryptosporidium life cycle and host-pathogen interactions. Antisense and ncRNA transcripts are abundant. The critical role of the dsRNA virus is becoming apparent. Summary The community's ability to identify genomic targets in the abundant, yet still lacking, collection of genomic data, combined with their increased ability to assess function via gene knock-out, is revolutionizing the field. Advances in the detection of virulence genes, surveillance, population genomics, recombination studies, and epigenetics are upon us.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui Xiao
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Coverdell Center, 107, 500 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602 USA
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Siwak AM, Baker PG, Dube A. Biosensors as early warning detection systems for waterborne Cryptosporidium. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 88:615-630. [PMID: 37578878 PMCID: wst_2023_229 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne disease is a global health threat contributing to a high burden of diarrhoeal disease, and growing evidence indicates a prospective increase in incidence coinciding with the profound effects of climate change. A major causative agent of gastrointestinal disease is Cryptosporidium, a protozoan waterborne parasite identified in over 70 countries. Cryptosporidium is a cause of high disease morbidity in children and the immunocompromised with limited treatment options for patients at risk of severe illness. The hardy nature of the organism leads to its persistence in various water sources, with certain water treatment procedures proving inefficient for its complete removal. While diagnostic methods for Cryptosporidium are well-defined in the clinical sphere, detection of Cryptosporidium in water sources remains suboptimal due to low dispersion of organisms in large sample volumes, lengthy processing times and high costs of equipment and reagents. A need for improvement exists to identify the organism as an emerging threat in domestic water systems, and the technological advantages that biosensors offer over current analytical methods may provide a preventative approach to outbreaks of Cryptosporidium. Biosensors are innovative, versatile and adaptable analytical tools that could provide highly sensitive, rapid, on-site analysis needed for Cryptosporidium detection in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Siwak
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa E-mail:
| | - Priscilla G Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Admire Dube
- School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
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Dărăbuș G, Lupu MA, Mederle N, Dărăbuș RG, Imre K, Mederle O, Imre M, Paduraru AA, Morariu S, Olariu TR. Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infection in Romania: A Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1793. [PMID: 37512965 PMCID: PMC10384979 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1983, when the first report of a human Cryptosporidium spp. infection was published in Romania, and until now, many studies on cryptosporidiosis have been published in our country, but most of them are in the Romanian language and in national journals less accessible to international scientific databases. Although the infection was first recognized as a problem in children or immunocompromised people or more of a problem in low-income or underdeveloped global countries, we have shown in this review that it can also occur in people with normal immunological function and that the epidemiology of our country can provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of a Cryptosporidium spp. prevention strategy. In addition, 9.1% of healthy children and 73% of immunocompromised children were observed to have Cryptosporidium spp. infections. Higher rates have also been reported in immunocompromised adults (1.8-50%). Analyzing the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in animals, we found values of 28.52% in cattle, 18% in buffalo calves, between 27.8 and 60.4% in pigs, 52.7% in dogs, and 29.4% in cats. Furthermore, in Romania, the burden of cryptosporidiosis, including acute infections and long-term sequelae, is currently unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Georgiana Dărăbuș
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Kalman Imre
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Mederle
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirela Imre
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Morariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Siavash Moakhar R, Mahimkar R, Khorrami Jahromi A, Mahshid SS, Del Real Mata C, Lu Y, Vasquez Camargo F, Dixon B, Gilleard J, J Da Silva A, Ndao M, Mahshid S. Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Microfluidic Biosensor for the Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum. ACS Sens 2023; 8:2149-2158. [PMID: 37207303 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a high-risk and opportunistic waterborne parasitic pathogen with highly infectious oocysts that can survive harsh environmental conditions for long periods. Current state-of-the-art methods are limited to lengthy imaging and antibody-based detection techniques that are slow, labor-intensive, and demand trained personnel. Therefore, the development of new sensing platforms for rapid and accurate identification at the point-of-care (POC) is essential to improve public health. Herein, we propose a novel electrochemical microfluidic aptasensor based on hierarchical 3D gold nano-/microislands (NMIs), functionalized with aptamers specific to C. parvum. We used aptamers as robust synthetic biorecognition elements with a remarkable ability to bind and discriminate among molecules to develop a highly selective biosensor. Also, the 3D gold NMIs feature a large active surface area that provides high sensitivity and a low limit of detection (LOD), especially when they are combined with aptamers,. The performance of the NMI aptasensor was assessed by testing the biosensor's ability to detect different concentrations of C. parvum oocysts spiked in different sample matrices, i.e., buffer, tap water, and stool, within 40 min detection time. The electrochemical measurements showed an acceptable LOD of 5 oocysts mL-1 in buffer medium, as well as 10 oocysts mL-1 in stool and tap water media, over a wide linear range of 10-100,000 oocysts mL-1. Moreover, the NMI aptasensor recognized C. parvum oocysts with high selectivity while exhibiting no significant cross-reactivity to other related coccidian parasites. The specific feasibility of the aptasensor was further demonstrated by the detection of the target C. parvum in patient stool samples. Our assay showed coherent results with microscopy and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, achieving high sensitivity and specificity with a significant signal difference (p < 0.001). Therefore, the proposed microfluidic electrochemical biosensor platform could be a stepping stone for the development of rapid and accurate detection of parasites at the POC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohan Mahimkar
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health (IDIGH), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | | | - Sahar Sadat Mahshid
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | | | - Yao Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Fabio Vasquez Camargo
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Brent Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - John Gilleard
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1 N4, Canada
| | - Alexandre J Da Silva
- US FDA-Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Sara Mahshid
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0E9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada
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Panegossi MFDC, Widmer G, Nagata WB, Oliveira BCM, Ferrari ED, Gomes JF, Meireles MV, Nakamura AA, do Santos-Doni TR, da Silveira Neto L, Bresciani KDS. Cryptosporidium proventriculi in Captive Cockatiels ( Nymphicus hollandicus). Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050710. [PMID: 37242380 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are among the most commonly sold psittacines pets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in domestic N. hollandicus and identify risk factors for this infection. We collected fecal samples from 100 domestic cockatiels in the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Feces from birds of both genders and older than two months were collected. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire to identify how they handle and care for their birds. Based on nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the cockatiels sampled was 9.00%, 6.00% based on Malachite green staining, 5.00% based on modified Kinyoun straining, and 7.00% when the Malachite green was combined with Kinyoun. Applying multivariate logistic regression to test the association between Cryptosporidium proventriculi positivity and potential predictors showed that gastrointestinal alterations was a significant predictor (p < 0.01). Amplicons from five samples were sequenced successfully and showed 100% similarity with C. proventriculi. In summary, this study demonstrates the occurrence of C. proventriculi in captive cockatiels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Department of Infectious Disease & Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Walter Bertequini Nagata
- Escritório de Defesa Agropecuária, Coordenadoria de Defesa Agropecuária, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento do Estado de São Paulo, Lins 16400-050, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elis Domingos Ferrari
- União das Faculdades dos Grandes Lagos (Unilago), São José do Rio Preto 15030-070, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e Instituto de Computação, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alex Akira Nakamura
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaís Rabelo do Santos-Doni
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias (ICA), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Avenida Universitários, Unaí 36830-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz da Silveira Neto
- Imunologia e Vacinologia, curso de Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Gurupi 77410-530, Tocantins, Brazil
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Point of care diagnostics for Cryptosporidium: new and emerging technologies. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:3-8. [PMID: 36504030 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although Cryptosporidium detection and typing techniques have improved dramatically in recent years, relatively little research has been conducted on point of care (POC) detection and typing tools. Therefore, the main purpose of the present review is to summarize and evaluate recent and emerging POC diagnostic methods for Cryptosporidium spp. RECENT FINDINGS Microscopy techniques such as light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy with auramine-phenol staining (LED-AP), still have utility for (POC) diagnostics but require fluorescent microscopes and along with immunological-based techniques, suffer from lack of specificity and sensitivity. Molecular detection and typing tools offer higher sensitivity, specificity and speciation, but are currently too expensive for routine POC diagnostics. Isothermal amplification methods such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) or recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) including a commercially available LAMP kit have been developed for Cryptosporidium but are prone to false positives. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas diagnostic technologies (CRISPRDx) have recently been combined with isothermal amplification to increase its specificity and sensitivity for detection and typing. Other emerging technologies including amplification-free CRISPR detection methods are currently being developed for Cryptosporidium using a smartphone to read the results. SUMMARY Many challenges are still exist in the development of POC diagnostics for Cryptosporidium. The ideal POC tool would be able to concentrate the pathogen prior to detection and typing, which is complicated and research in this area is still very limited. In the short-term, CRISPR-powered isothermal amplification lateral flow tools offer the best opportunity for POC Cryptosporidium species and subtype detection, with a fully integrated autonomous biosensor for the long-term goal.
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Gerstl F, Pongkitdachoti U, Unob F, Baeumner AJ. Miniaturized sensor for electroanalytical and electrochemiluminescent detection of pathogens enabled through laser-induced graphene electrodes embedded in microfluidic channels. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3721-3733. [PMID: 36043879 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00593j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High performance, laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes were integrated into adhesive tape-based microfluidic channels to realize both electrochemical (EC) and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) detection approaches. This provides strategies for low limits of detection, simple hardware requirements and inexpensive fabrication, which are characteristics required for assays in the competitive point-of-care (POC) sensor field. Here, electrode design and microchannel dimensions were studied and a DNA hybridization assay with liposomes for signal amplification was developed for the specific detection of DNA derived from Cryptosporidium parvum as the model analyte. Liposomes entrapped either Ru(bpy)32+ or K4[Fe(CN)6] generating ECL- and EC-signal amplification, respectively. This new microchip provided all desirable analytical figures of merit needed for POC applications. Specifically, a desirable one-step assay was designed which provided a limit of detection of 3 pmol L-1 for the ECL and 47 pmol L-1 for the EC approach and furthermore enabled highly specific detection considering that at room temperature in this simple setup a single nucleotide polymorphism resulted in a signal decrease of 58%, whereas a decrease of > 98% was observed for non-matching sequences present in 10-fold excess. Direct detection in various matrices ranging from drinking water to soil extracts was also achieved. It is concluded that the simple and inexpensive fabrication in combination with signal amplification strategies makes these concepts relevant for on-site pathogen detection in resource-limited environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Gerstl
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo- and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Uma Pongkitdachoti
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Fuangfa Unob
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Antje J Baeumner
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo- and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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On-chip-based electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive and label-free detection of Cryptosporidium. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6957. [PMID: 35484282 PMCID: PMC9051104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium, an intestinal protozoan pathogen, is one of the leading causes of death in children and diarrhea in healthy adults. Detection of Cryptosporidium has become a high priority to prevent potential outbreaks. In this paper, a simple, easy to fabricate, and cost-effective on-chip-based electrochemical biosensor has been developed for the sensitive and label-free detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water samples. The sensor was fabricated using standard lithography using a mask with a 3-electrode design and modified by self-assembling a hybrid of a thiolated protein/G and the specific anti-Cryptosporidium monoclonal antibodies (IgG3). The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to quantitate C. parvum in the range of 0 to 300 oocysts, with a detection limit of approximately 20 oocysts/5 µL. The high sensitivity and specificity of the developed label-free electrochemical biosensor suggest that this novel platform is a significant step towards the development of fast, real-time, inexpensive and label-free sensing tool for early warning and immediate on-site detection of C. parvum oocysts in water samples, as compared to the traditional methods (such as PCR and microscopy). Furthermore, under optimized conditions, this label-free biosensor can be extended to detect other analytes and biomarkers for environmental and biomedical analyses.
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Pane S, Putignani L. Cryptosporidium: Still Open Scenarios. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050515. [PMID: 35631036 PMCID: PMC9143492 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is increasingly identified as a leading cause of childhood diarrhea and malnutrition in both low-income and high-income countries. The strong impact on public health in epidemic scenarios makes it increasingly essential to identify the sources of infection and understand the transmission routes in order to apply the right prevention or treatment protocols. The objective of this literature review was to present an overview of the current state of human cryptosporidiosis, reviewing risk factors, discussing advances in the drug treatment and epidemiology, and emphasizing the need to identify a government system for reporting diagnosed cases, hitherto undervalued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Pane
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Luka GS, Nowak E, Toyata QR, Tasnim N, Najjaran H, Hoorfar M. Portable on-chip colorimetric biosensing platform integrated with a smartphone for label/PCR-free detection of Cryptosporidium RNA. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23192. [PMID: 34853388 PMCID: PMC8636559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium, a protozoan pathogen, is a leading threat to public health and the economy. Herein, we report the development of a portable, colorimetric biosensing platform for the sensitive, selective and label/PCR-free detection of Cryptosporidium RNA using oligonucleotides modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A pair of specific thiolated oligonucleotides, complementary to adjacent sequences on Cryptosporidium RNA, were attached to AuNPs. The need for expensive laboratory-based equipment was eliminated by performing the colorimetric assay on a micro-fabricated chip in a 3D-printed holder assembly. A smartphone camera was used to capture an image of the color change for quantitative analysis. The detection was based on the aggregation of the gold nanoparticles due to the hybridization between the complementary Cryptosporidium RNA and the oligonucleotides immobilized on the AuNPs surface. In the complementary RNA's presence, a distinctive color change of the AuNPs (from red to blue) was observed by the naked eye. However, in the presence of non-complementary RNA, no color change was observed. The sensing platform showed wide linear responses between 5 and 100 µM with a low detection limit of 5 µM of Cryptosporidium RNA. Additionally, the sensor developed here can provide information about different Cryptosporidium species present in water resources. This cost-effective, easy-to-use, portable and smartphone integrated on-chip colorimetric biosensor has great potential to be used for real-time and portable POC pathogen monitoring and molecular diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Luka
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Ephraim Nowak
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Quin Robert Toyata
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Nishat Tasnim
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Homayoun Najjaran
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Mina Hoorfar
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
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