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March 14, 2022

Bacterial detection: A self-powered biosensing system driven by triboelectric nanogenerator

In the past decade, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) have been invented to convert mechanical energy into electricity, based on triboelectrification and electrostatic induction (Zhonglin Wang et al, 2012). As a new approach to generating power, TENG has many advantages which include simple operation, convenience, security and environmental protection. Recently, various types of self-powered sensing system based on TENG, such as gas, metal ion and protein, have been investigated, but it is less readily available in bacterial detection. As we all know, the traditional methods of bacterial detection were limited by time-consuming, high-cost analytical or complex instruments, thereby blocking their widespread application. Therefore, it is expected that TENG can be further expanded to bacterial detection by its advantages.

Preparation of the self-powered biosensing system driven by a triboelectric nanogenerator

The self-powered biosensing system constitutes three parts: the biosensing system, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and the warning programme. Firstly, the biosensing system comprises the vancomycin modified indium tin oxide glass (ITO-Van), and guanidine functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT-Arg). The ITO glass has an etched conductive layer area, which is about 50 mm wide. Therefore, the resistance of etched ITO glass is infinite. The ITO-Van is able to capture Gram-positive bacterial cells owing to the specific affinity of vancomycin. The CNT-Arg empowered the adhesion of bacteria by the guanidine group, and adopted as signal amplifiers material. The resistance change of biosensor along with the accumulation of CNT-Arg allowed the binding of S. aureus cells on ITO-Van.

Assembling the TENG requires two different materials, aluminium foil and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film. A UV sensitive resin plate (7.5 × 7.5 cm2) was created using a 3D printer. An aluminium electrode (4 × 4 cm2) was attached to the centre of the UV sensitive resin plate and covered with a FEP film. On the other UV sensitive resin plate, only aluminium foil (4 × 4 cm2) was attached. Finally, spring gaskets need to be added to the TENG, and the TENG was then able to generate electrical power with the continued application of manual pressure. We designed a biosensor holder, which was also fabricated using a 3D printer for convenient detection. In order to realise the practical application of the self-powered biosensing system driven by triboelectric nanogenerator, we designed a warning program by Labview.

Conclusion of the study

The self-powered biosensing system powered by TENG has multiple advantages, including convenient use, safety and environmental protection. As the proof-of-concept work, the system can create alerts when a sample contains bacteria. In addition, the system is envisioned to detect different bacteria by replacing the molecular probes. Overall, the system is promising to specifically recognise bacteria, and helps to prevent environment pollution, iatrogenic diseases and microbiological corrosion.

References

Wang, C, Wang, P, Chen, J, et al, (2022) Self-powered biosensing system driven by triboelectric nanogenerator for specific detection of Gram-positive bacteria, Nano Energy 93, 106828. doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106828

Written By

Congyu Wang
Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Corrosion and Bio-fouling, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Contact Details

Email: [email protected]
Telephone:
+15625073628

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