Work

Synthetic biology-driven optoelectronic biosensor for rapid and highly sensitive norovirus detection in fecal samples

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The convergence of synthetic biology and biosensing technologies is revolutionizing diagnostics by enabling highly specific, scalable, and high-throughput detection platforms. In this study, we introduce a synthetic biology-driven optoelectronic biosensor for the rapid and highly sensitive quantification of human norovirus in clinical fecal samples. Our system integrates norovirus-like particles (NoV-LPs), produced via a baculovirus-insect cell expression system, as precise reference nanomaterials, alongside high-affinity single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies generated through phage display as bioreceptors. This novel biosensing platform, implemented on a disc-based system, allows for multiplexed analysis of up to eight specimens within 45 min, eliminating the need for nucleic acid amplification. The sensor provides direct Ct-equivalent values, achieving an exceptional viral detection limit of 32 Ct-equivalent (0.5 fM), demonstrating a 10- to 100-fold improvement in sensitivity over conventional colorimetric biosensors. Clinical validation with 20 human fecal samples confirmed 100 % sensitivity and selectivity, exhibiting a strong correlation with RT-qPCR results (r = 0.945) and a relative error of 11 %. Beyond establishing a highly efficient biosensing platform, this work highlights the transformative impact of synthetic biology to engineer and produce high-affinity bioreceptors for next-generation biosensors with enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and adaptability across diverse analytical applications.

Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics

DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2025.117787