Researchers have introduced a novel, thermal biosensor for real-time detection of Escherichia coli,demonstrating its ability to detect the pathogen in milk without sample preparation. The sensor would be easy to mass produce, and shows potential as a low-cost, rapid tool for onsite microbial indication.
The technology is based on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), functionalized by a simple surface-imprinting process that represents an easily scalable strategy for the production of synthetic receptors. SPEs have become increasingly popular for biosensor applications in recent years due to their low-cost and scalable production process. The SPEs were used in combination with the heat transfer method to detect E. coli.