Flexible and portable biosensors for real-time, on-the-shelf pathogen detection in food packaging using micro-patterned DNAzyme probes

Here we report on developing thin, transparent, flexible and durable sensing surfaces based on DNAzyme biosensors, for pathogen detection in food packaging. We also demonstrate successful detection of live pathogens (Escherichia coli) in meat, sliced apple and apple juice with concentrations as low as 10³ CFU/ml using our flexible sensing surfaces. DNAzyme probes were covalently attached onto flexible epoxy coated plastic COP (cyclo olefin copolymer) slides and remained stable for several weeks. The developed sensing surfaces do not require any sample handling or washing steps and can be applied for a variety of other applications such as health care settings, food preparation surfaces and biomaterials such as wound dressing.