Naked-eye detection of Legionella pneumophila using smart fluorogenic polymers prepared as hydrophilic films, coatings, and electrospun nanofibers

Legionella pneumophila is a significant public health threat, responsible for severe diseases such as Legionnaires’ disease. Traditional detection methods are often labour-intensive, time-consuming, and require sophisticated equipment. This study introduces smart fluorogenic polymeric materials for...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2025-02, Vol.425, p.136976, Article 136976
Main Authors: Arnaiz, Ana, Guembe-García, Marta, Martínez, Mario, Trigo-López, Miriam, González, Edurne, Otsuka, Issei, Vallejos, Saúl
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemical Sciences
Electrospun nanofibers
Fluorescence
Legionella
Linear polymer
Polyacrylic films
Polymeric sensors
Smart material
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Summary:Legionella pneumophila is a significant public health threat, responsible for severe diseases such as Legionnaires’ disease. Traditional detection methods are often labour-intensive, time-consuming, and require sophisticated equipment. This study introduces smart fluorogenic polymeric materials for the naked-eye detection of L. pneumophila via protease activity. These materials, prepared as hydrophilic films, cellulose-coated linear copolymers, and electrospun nanofibers, operate on an OFF/ON FRET system, emitting fluorescence under UV light upon interaction with L. pneumophila proteases. Characterisation confirmed the successful immobilisation of the peptide substrate and its response to proteases. The sensors showed moderate to high sensitivity and specificity, with detection limits of 2.91 × 105, 3.64 × 10⁵, and 4.04 × 105 CFUs/mL for the film, copolymer, and nanofiber formats, respectively. Cross-reactivity tests identified only Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an interferent. This novel approach offers rapid, simple, and cost-effective L. pneumophila detection with visible results under UV light, suitable for clinical and environmental samples. It highlights the potential for broader pathogen detection applications. [Display omitted] •Smart polymer for indirect detection of L. pneumophila.•Acrylic polymeric sensor for easy fluorescent detection of proteolytic activity.•Fast fluorescent response visible to the naked eye.•One sensor system adapted to three polymeric formats.•High specificity sensor against other pathogens.
ISSN:0925-4005
1873-3077
DOI:10.1016/j.snb.2024.136976