Engineered Artificial Nanochannels with Cell Membrane Nanointerface for Ultrasensitive Detection and Discrimination of Multiple Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Bacterial infection is a major threat to global public health, which urgently require rapid and reliable analytical techniques for complex biological samples but remains a challenge. Herein, we developed an artificial affinity nanochannel with a cell membrane nanointerface, which enables broad-spectrum capture and specifically discriminates multiple pathogens. The macrophage membrane is pre-engineered with azide groups by a biometabolic process and then modified on a porous anodized aluminum oxide substrate via click reactions, preserving dynamic lateral fluidity and broad-spectrum recognition capacity. The macrophage membrane/anodized aluminum oxide membrane is evaluated with remarkable ion current rectification performance with a distinct current response upon bacterial binding, which realizes ultrasensitive detection of bacteria. Moreover, discrimination of bacterial species is achieved by further introducing specific antibodies. The nanochannel-based biosensor allows accurately capturing and quantifying multiple bacteria over a broad linear range, with a detection limit as low as 2.7 CFU/mL. Finally, this nanoplatform is successfully applied for broad-spectrum capture of bacterial species in several practical application scenarios including water, serum, and blood samples, achieving ultrasensitive detection and identification of bacteria below 10 CFU/mL. Overall, the proposed nanochannel with cell membrane nanointerface shows broad applicability in bacterial analysis, highlighting its potential in diagnosing infectious diseases.