Entrapment of uropathogenic E. coli cells into ultra-thin sol-gel matrices on gold thin films: A low cost alternative for impedimetric bacteria sensing

Bacterial infections are causing worldwide morbidity and mortality. One way to limit infectious outbreaks and optimize clinical management of infections is through the development of fast and sensitive sensing of bacteria. Most sensing approaches are currently based on immunological detection principles. We report here on an impedimetric sensor to selectively and sensitive detect uropathogenic E. coli cells (E. coli UTI89) using artificial recognition sites. We show here the possibility to imprint the rod-shape structure of E. coli UTI 89 into ultra-thin inorganic silica coatings on gold electrodes in a reproducible manner. A linear range from to 1 × 100 –1 × 104 cfu mL−1 is obtained. With a detection limit for E. coli UTI89 below 1 cfu mL−1 from five blank signals (95% confidence level) and excellent selective binding capabilities, these bacterial cell imprinted electrodes brings us closer to a low cost specific bacterial recognition surfaces.