Identification and ultrasensitive quantification of H. pylori infections on gastric and stool human samples with a photonic label-free nanobiosensor
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is a widespread bacterium that infects the stomach, causing gastric disorders associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current methods for identifying and quantifying this pathogen rely on invasive and non-invasive tests. Although combining these methods allows accurate diagnosis, they have multiple drawbacks, and there is no single reliable gold standard test. New, more sensitive strategies involving molecular techniques, such as digital PCR, have been developed but require complex and expensive instruments. Herein, we implement and validat a nanophotonic bimodal waveguide (BiMW) biosensor for the sensitive and accurate detection of H. pylori in gastric biopsies and stool. This biosensor offers real-time, label-free detection, high sensitivity, and the capability to be integrated into compact devices. By employing monoclonal antibodies targeting specific membrane proteins found in H. pylori, the biosensor enables unique recognition of the bacterium, demonstrating its potential as an alternative diagnostic tool. The BiMW biosensor provides highly accurate H. pylori quantification in under 20 min, with limits of detection (LOD) of 89 ± 35 CFU/mL for antrum gastric biopsies and 82 ± 9 CFU/mL for stool samples. Clinical validation with 40 samples (20 gastric biopsies and 20 stool samples) showed sensitivity and specificity of 90 % for gastric biopsies and 95 % for stool samples, offering diagnostic reliability equivalent to semiquantitative ELISA tests and enabling more efficient and timely detection of H. pylori infections. This test can significantly improve the speed of diagnosis and contribute to the development of more effective strategies for H. pylori eradication.
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Institutions: Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia, Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Institute of Research and Innovation Parc Tauli
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,540
Funders: University of Business and Technology, Generalitat de Catalunya, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Horizon 2020, Center for International Business Education and Research, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Departament de Recerca i Universitats, Generalitat de Catalunya
OpenAlex ID: W4409300331