Thesis

Electrochemical detection of antibiotics and antibiotic susceptibility

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2024
Thesis identifier
  • T17175
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201992485
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat that affects individuals differently. Mitigation strategies, such as improved antibiotic stewardship, depend on timely antibiotic susceptibility testing. However, current methods face limitations, including slow turnaround times and labour-intensive protocols conducted in centralised laboratories, highlighting the need for better solutions. Electrochemical sensors, offering sensitive, selective detection with user-friendly, low-cost solutions, can overcome many obstacles associated with current susceptibility testing methods, enabling closer-to-point-of-need applications. Three main case studies were explored. First, electrochemical characterization of actinorhodin, a pigmented antibiotic from *Streptomyces coelicolor*, was studied as a proxy for bacterial growth and antibiotic production monitoring. While a complex mixture was observed, further fundamental characterization is needed for direct electrochemical identification from bacterial cultures. Next, an aptasensor for moxifloxacin, a widely used antibiotic, was developed. Initially, a support oligonucleotide hybridized to the aptamer did not produce a detectable signal via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. However, using a methylene blue label and stabilizing the aptamer with a molecularly imprinted structure improved the binding event and signal detection. Lastly, a dual characterization strategy for bacterial biofilms was designed. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, characterized by the biomarker pyocyanin, and less electroactive biofilms like *Acinetobacter baumannii*, were studied using voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The response to antibiotics was monitored at 24 and 48 hours using resazurin as a metabolic indicator. These studies demonstrate the potential of electrochemical sensors for antibiotic and susceptibility detection closer to the point of need, providing promising solutions for rapid diagnostics and improved antibiotic stewardship
Advisor / supervisor
  • Corrigan, Damion K.
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DOI

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