Analytical chemistryOct 23, 2026

Portable sensor using CRISPR and aptamers for detecting antibiotic resistance in water

CRISPR Gene Editing Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Oct 24, 2026

Abstract

The dual-module electrochemical sensing platform can detect antibiotic resistance genes with a limit of detection of 1 copy per microliter.

The system integrates a biosensor for detecting antibiotic resistance genes with an aptasensor for quantifying antibiotics.
Highly sensitive detection is achieved for antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotics at 1 copy per microliter and 1 nM, respectively.
Validation in drinking water, wastewater, and river water samples shows a rapid sample-to-result time of approximately 60 minutes.
Field validation indicates high stability and recovery rates of 95-110% for antibiotic detection.
The portable platform allows for user-friendly sample introduction and results acquisition via a smartphone application.

Simplified

Monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquatic systems is essential for tracking resistance mechanisms and identifying microbial sources. Here, we present a dual-module electrochemical sensing platform that integrates a gold-electrode-based RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a biosensor for detecting antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) with a paper-based electrochemical aptasensor for antibiotic quantification. The system employs thiol-modified CRISPR/Cas12a probes alongside amino-functionalized graphene/thionine/gold nanoparticles (NH2-G/THI/AuNPs) nanocomposites, enabling highly sensitive and specific detection (Limits of detection: 1 copy μL-1 for ARGs and 1 nM for antibiotics). Validation was performed in drinking water, wastewater, and river water samples, demonstrating a rapid sample-to-result time of ∼60 min. Coupled with a portable electrochemical workstation, the platform allows users to introduce samples and acquire electrochemical signals with a smartphone application, giving quantitative outputs displayed through a custom web interface. Field validation showed high stability and recovery rates (95-110%) for antibiotic detection. We believe that this platform addresses critical gaps in aquatic AMR monitoring by providing a rapid, affordable, and field-deployable solution, with the potential for offering on-site surveillance in resource-limited settings.

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Portable sensor using CRISPR and aptamers for detecting antibiotic resistance in water

Abstract

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