Strategical design of ZnWO4@g-C3N4 nanocomposite: An affordable and efficient photoelectrochemical sensor for the detection of Candida albicans

Abstract

Detecting fungi is crucial for addressing serious health risks, as early identification facilitates prompt treatment, reducing complications and enhancing patient diagnosis. Accurate detection of specific fungi is vital for targeted therapy, particularly in the case of Candida species, a prevalent pathogen requiring precise identification for effective management of conditions like invasive candidiasis in hospitalized patients. Conventional methods for detecting Candida albicans (C. albicans) face challenges such as extended processing times, limited sensitivity, and the potential for false results. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), encounters issues like contamination and variations in DNA concentration. We introduce a highly sensitive photoelectrochemical sensor (PEC) for detecting C. albicans at low levels, using a zinc tungstate −doped graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite (ZnWO₄@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite). This nanocomposite efficiently captures and transduces signals associated with the fungus, enabling rapid and accurate detection. The nanocomposite, synthesized through co-precipitation, underwent thorough characterization. Notably, the research achieved an unprecedented small detectable limit (LOD: 1 CFU mL⁻¹, LOQ: 4 CFU mL⁻¹) with detection range from 1 to 15 CFU mL⁻¹. The PEC sensor demonstrated outstanding specificity, consistency, replicability, and sustained durability over an extended period, validated through testing on various food samples. The use of ZnWO₄@g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite in PEC techniques not only contributes to scientific understanding but also holds practical implications for healthcare industries, emphasizing the potential of this innovative approach in addressing health challenges associated with fungal infections.