Biosensors based on zinc oxide thin-film transistors using recyclable plastic substrates as an alternative for real-time pathogen detection

• Published in: Talanta (Oxford) 2022-01, Vol.237, p.122970-122970, Article 122970
• Main Authors: Salinas, Rafael A., Orduña-Díaz, Abdu, Obregon-Hinostroza, Ovier, Dominguez, Miguel A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bio-TFT; Escherichia coli EPEC; Real time detection; ZnO
• ISSN: 0039-9140; 1873-3573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122970

The fabrication of biosensors has different future applications mainly from the perspective of eco-friendly technologies. Label-free strategies, recyclable materials and low-temperature processing are parameters to consider for the development of a new generation of biosensor devices. In this work, Zinc oxide (ZnO) Thin-film Transistors (TFTs) using recyclable plastic substrates were used for real-time enteropathogenic Escherichia coli detection as an approach for biosensing (bio-TFTs). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was used to verify the characteristic absorption peaks at the different steps of the bio-TFT assembly process. The bio-TFTs are ready to observe the bacterial detection by electrical characterization. Finally, detection was validated by a coupled strategy that fuses the genomic DNA extraction from bacteria attached in situ over bio-TFTs surface and, the development of the Polymerase Chain Reaction to amplify specific genes from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. [Display omitted] •Solution-processed ZnO TFTs on recyclable plastic substrates allow real-time bacterial detection.•Recyclable plastic substrate PET has compatibility with flexible electronics and contribute its use in a low-cost biosensor.•Electrical modifications are associated to the bacterial concentration and validated in situ by PCR.