Work

Sol-gel technology for rapid and selective detection of S. aureus in biomaterial-related infections

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) represent a major complication of central venous catheterisation, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as differential time to positivity (DTP) and catheter tip culture, require prolonged incubation times, delaying targeted treatment. Conventional microbiological approaches, including culture-based techniques and biochemical assays, remain widely used as their sensitivity and cost-effectiveness but are limited by incubation periods of up to five days. More advanced methods, such as PCR, ELISA, and MALDI-TOF-MS, offer higher specificity but require specialised equipment and trained personnel. To address these limitations, this study proposes the development of a sol-gel-based detection material for the rapid identification of Staphylococcus aureus, a leading causative agent of CRBSIs. The sol-gel matrix incorporates potassium tellurite (K₂TeO₃) as a chromogenic molecule, which undergoes a characteristic black colour change upon reaction with S. aureus. The sol-gel network was optimised to ensure stability, controlled release of tellurite, and strong adhesion to the substrate. Potassium tellurite incorporation was evaluated using ATR-FTIR, 29Si-NMR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, degradation kinetics studies in simulated biological fluids were performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In vitro assays demonstrated that the material enables S. aureus detection within six hours, linearly correlated with bacterial stationary growth phase. The specificity of the reaction was confirmed using Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly associated with catheter-related infections. The results suggest that this sol-gel-based approach could provide a rapid and reliable diagnostic alternative, potentially facilitating earlier intervention and improving clinical outcomes for patients with CRBSIs.

Source: Surfaces and Interfaces

DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2025.107874

Authors: Ángela Solís-Garrido, Olena Velyt-Vepryk, John J. Aguilera-Correa, Llanos Salar-Vidal, Jaime Esteban, Antonia Jiménez-Morales

Institutions: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Infecciosas

Language: English

Topic: Biosensors and Analytical Detection

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,670