In a world where antibiotic resistance is on the rise, a tiny, unsuspecting ally has emerged: the bacteriophage, or phage for short. These microscopic viruses have long been known for their ability to infect and destroy harmful bacteria, but now, they are taking on a new role as the basis for cutting-edge biosensors.
At the forefront of this groundbreaking research is a team from the Central University of Tamil Nadu, who have developed a dual display phage sensor capable of diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
The phage advantage: speed, sensitivity, and affordability
Traditional diagnostic methods, such as ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay), can take up to 6-7 hours to deliver results. However, the team’s dual display phage sensor slashes that time to just one hour, all while requiring only a minuscule sample from the patient.
“It was a great achievement [and] required very little patient sample. In biological experiments or diagnosis, the use of fewer samples reduces the burden of reagent costs and allows the non-invasive techniques to be explored,” explains study author Dr Kaushik Rajaram.
But the advantages don’t stop there. Phage-based sensors are not only highly sensitive and specific, but they are also incredibly affordable and easy to produce.
“Phages are prepared cheaply by infecting bacteria, so phage-based sensors can be prepared at low costs. Could be easily scaled up too,” says Dr Rajaram. “Based on the sensor platform used, the cost could vary. Electrochemical sensor platforms could do this for less than 10 rupees for single detection. So, phage-based sensors are highly affordable and easily scalable.”
Robust and versatile
Unlike traditional biosensors, which often struggle in harsh environments, phage-based sensors are remarkably resilient. They can withstand extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pH levels, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
“Phage-based biosensors have several advantages over other conventional biosensors. These advantages include: selectivity and specificity, survival in harsh conditions, ability to detect bacteria viability,” explains Dr Rajaram.
Moreover, phage-based sensors are highly versatile. By swapping out different biomarker-specific peptides on the phage’s surface, researchers can adapt these sensors to detect a variety of diseases and conditions.
“The dual display phage constructs are prepared in the form of exchangeable cassettes, wherein, different biomarkers-specific peptides can be replaced on demand,” says Dr Rajaram.
A promising future
The potential applications of phage-based sensors extend far beyond diagnostic testing. In the future, these tiny viral powerhouses could be harnessed to:
- Neutralise neurotransmitters and toxins that contribute to diseases
- Regulate autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s
- Serve as models for drug screening studies, replacing traditional bacterial or yeast models
With their unique advantages and versatility, phage-based sensors are poised to revolutionise the field of biosensors. They offer a faster, more accurate, and more affordable solution for detecting and managing a wide range of diseases.
