Sensitive Serologic Detection of Pathogenic Mycoplasma via Electrochemical Biosensor

Mycoplasma pneumonia infects 2 million people every year and is responsible for upper respiratory infections and “walking pneumonia.” Here, we describe the creation of a novel electrochemical biosensor capable of detecting these pathogenic Mycoplasma for use in academic, research, and clinical applications. Current diagnostics of Mycoplasma , such as molecular‐based assays, PCR and serological analysis, are time consuming, expensive, and not particularly accurate. Serological analysis is our main focus, not only because it is not available in the United States, but due to the fact that current “serological kits” do not measure the presence of the microorganism, but instead measure the host immune response, creating the possibility of a false negative result for most infected individuals. In response, our biosensor is designed for rapid, reliable, and reagentless serological detection of several common Mycoplasma strains. We are able to detect this subgroup of Mollicute bacteria by detecting a protein that is commonly secreted by many pathogenic mycoplasmas, P48 protein. A modified aptamer against P48 was incorporated into a custom oligonucleotide scaffold and is used in a gold‐electrode‐bound fashion to give a robust, dose‐dependent electrochemical signal change upon binding the secreted P48 target. Ultimately, this biosensor should bring improvements to diagnosis and thus treatment of Mycoplasma in patients who present a proposed infection.