Leptospirosis is an underestimated tropical disease caused by the pathogenic Leptospira species and responsible for several serious health problems. Here, we aimed to develop an ultrasensitive DNA biosensor for the rapid and on-site detection of the Loa22 gene of Leptospira interrogans using a gold nanoparticle-carbon nanofiber composite (AuN/CNF)-based screen-printed electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance were performed for electrochemical analysis. The sensitivity of the sensor was 5431.74 μA/cm2/ng with a LOD (detection limit) of 0.0077 ng/μL using cyclic voltammetry. The developed DNA biosensor was found highly specific to the Loa22 gene of L. interrogans, with a storage stability at 4 °C for 180 days and a 6% loss of the initial response. This DNA-based sensor only takes 30 min for rapid detection of the pathogen, with a higher specificity and sensitivity. The promising results obtained suggest the application of the developed sensor as a point of care device for the diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Amity Center of Nanotechnology Amity University Gurugram 122413 HR India

Center for Basic and Applied Research Faculty of Informatics and Management University of Hradec Kralove 50003 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic

College of Horticulture and Forestry Neri Hamirpur 177001 HP India

Faculty of Medicine University of Porto Alameda Prof Hernâni Monteiro 4200 319 Porto Portugal

Institute for Research and Innovation in Health University of Porto 4200 135 Porto Portugal

Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences University of Porto 4200 135 Porto Portugal

School of Bioengineering and Food Technology Shoolini University Solan 173229 HP India

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