Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is abundant in nature and frequently leads to various health issues. Bacteriophages as obligate intracellular parasites of bacteria have the ability to specifically identify and infect S. aureus, causing bacterial lysis and the release of endogenous catalase (CAT). The released CAT triggers the conversion of H₂O₂ into O₂ and H₂O, resulting in a notable decrease in UV absorption at 570 nm and a concurrent surge in photocurrent. On the basis of this, a photoelectrochemical/colorimetric dual-mode biosensor for the detection of S. aureus was developed. In the photoelectric detection mode, the reactions involving endogenous enzymes occur directly in the solution, requiring only the simple drop-coating of TiO₂@CdS onto the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface. There was no need for immobilizing additional biomolecules, thereby significantly minimizing nonspecific adsorption and improving the biosensor's stability and reproducibility. For colorimetry, we utilized a cost-effective and operationally simple approach based on KI and starch. Remarkably, this photoelectrochemical/colorimetry exhibited a linear range of 10²-10⁹ CFU/mL for S. aureus, achieving detection limits of 7 and 10 CFU/mL, respectively. Herein, phage identification ensures the specific detection of live S. aureus, thereby effectively mitigating the potential for false signals. The dual-signal readout mode improves the detection accuracy and reliability. In conclusion, this present method offers numerous advantages, including simplicity, time-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, high specificity, and therefore excellent accuracy.

Tingliu Deng

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