Non-faradaic electrochemical detection of Ralstonia solanacearum using DNA hybridized glassy carbon electrodes

Abstract

Here, we report for the first time on the development of a label-free, non-faradaic, and sensitive DNA-based impedimetric sensor to detect the soil-borne agricultural disease Ralstonia solanacearum. The sensor uses a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) produced using Carbon-MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) process. The sensor binds to the target R. solanacearum DNA selectively by functionalizing the electrode surface with a corresponding DNA probe. This results in detectable changes in impedance. The non-Faradaic method provides a strong and dependable method for pathogen detection by increasing sensitivity and reducing background noise. GCE can be used for biosensing applications because of its low background interference and compatibility with various biological experiments. We have already used a gold interdigitated electrode-based method in our earlier investigation to detect R. solanacearum via DNA hybridization. In this study, C-MEMS derived GCE is used which offer a versatile, cost-effective, and stable alternative to gold interdigitated electrodes, particularly in applications requiring high chemical stability, surface customizability, and cost efficiency.