C. albicans Detection with Electrochemical Sensors by Using Molecular Imprinted Polymer Technique
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen and a major cause of nosocomial infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Conventional diagnostic approaches such as blood culture and biochemical assays are accurate but require multi-step sample processing and prolonged turnaround times, limiting their applicability for rapid clinical screening. In the present study, we developed an electrochemical biosensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology for the rapid and selective detection of intact C. albicans cells. The MIP layer was electropolymerized onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), forming selective recognition cavities complementary to the fungal morphology. Electrochemical characterization and detection were performed using cyclic voltammetry in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The system demonstrated a wide linear detection range, enabling reliable quantification of C. albicans across concentrations spanning from 1 to 104 CFU/mL and achieved an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 1.30 CFU/mL, demonstrating high sensitivity. High selectivity was confirmed against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa, demonstrating that the imprinted cavities effectively distinguish fungal cells from bacterial contaminants. These findings highlight the promise of MIP-based electrochemical biosensors as a simple, low-cost, and portable alternative for early fungal diagnostics.
Source: Polymers
Institution: King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7140101953