Our project aims to develop a novel four-in-one nanoflower system with dual-signal amplification capabilities, engineered to achieve ultrasensitive, rapid, and low-cost bacterial detection. This integrated platform combines specific bacterial recognition, catalytic signal generation, and dual amplification mechanisms within a single nanostructure, enabling highly efficient and accurate pathogen identification.
To ensure the reliability and reproducibility of the detection method, we established a standardized experimental protocol with rigorously repeatable procedures. This approach guarantees consistent performance across multiple tests and operational batches.
A comprehensive evaluation of the nanoflower system was conducted, including:
1.Synthesis of the four-in-one nanoflowers;
2.Catalytic performance assessment-incorporating temperature and reaction time optimization);
3.Bacterial detection capability validation—including limit of detection (LOD), relative standard deviation (RSD), specificity, real-sample testing, and storage stability.
This systematic development and validation framework ensures that the system is both experimentally robust and practically applicable for complex biological detection scenarios.
Background
The development of this four-in-one nanoflower system represents an advanced approach in the field of bacterial detection biosensors. It is designed to integrate multiple functional components into a single nanostructure to achieve ultrasensitive, rapid, and low-cost identification of specific pathogens, such as E. coli. Traditional methods for bacterial detection often face limitations in sensitivity, speed, and complexity, especially in resource-limited settings. This system addresses these challenges by combining specific biological recognition, enzymatic catalysis, and nanozyme-enhanced signal amplification within a unified platform. The use of hybrid organic-inorganic nanoflowers, inspired by natural biomineralization processes, allows for high surface area, enhanced stability, and efficient co-immobilization of bioactive components, significantly improving detection performance [1].
Principle
The measurement principle of the four-in-one nanoflower system is based on a cascade signal amplification mechanism triggered by the specific recognition of target bacteria, followed by a colorimetric reaction that produces a visible output. The process can be broken down into several key steps:
1.Specific Bacterial Recognition
Phage-derived binding proteins (PBPs) can selectively bind to surface antigens of E. coli, which ensures the high specificity of the detection.
2.Signal Catalysis and Amplification
Once the target bacteria are captured, two catalytic components work synergistically to amplify the detection signal:
•Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP): An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of the substrate 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), producing a blue-colored product.
•Gold-Platinum Nanozyme (AuPt): This synthetic nanoparticle exhibits intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, further enhancing the catalytic conversion of TMB. The combination of HRP and AuPt achieves dual signal amplification, significantly boosting sensitivity and enabling detection even at low bacterial concentrations.
3.Signal Detection and Readout
The color change resulting from TMB oxidation can be quantified using simple methods:
•Visual Inspection: A clear color shift can be observed with the naked eye for qualitative assessment.
•RGB Analysis Based on Smartphones: To obtain quantitative results, smartphone applications can be used to analyze the RGB values of the reaction products.
4.Structural Support and Enhancement
The calcium phosphate matrix (CaHPO₄) forms a porous, three-dimensional nanoflower structure. This not only provides a high surface area for efficient immobilization of PBPs, HRP, and AuPt but also facilitates better substrate diffusion and bacterial binding, enhancing overall detection efficiency.
Protocols
1.AuPt Nanoparticle Solution Preparation
Materials:
Magnetic stirrer with heating capability, Analytical balance, ddH2O, Chloroplatinic acid (H₂PtCl₆), Chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄), Trisodium citrate (C6H5Na3O7), Calcium chloride (CaCl2), Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3), 10 × PBS.
Procedures:
(1)AuPt Nanoparticle Synthesis: In a 100 mL flask, combine: ddH2O: 45 mL, Chloroplatinic acid: 0.38 mL (10 mg/mL), Chloroauric acid: 0.3 mL (10 mg/mL).
(2)Heating and mixing: Stir the mixture continuously using a magnetic stirrer. Heat to boiling and maintain for 10 min.
(3)Reduction step: Add 0.2 mL of trisodium citrate solution (114.1 mg/mL) to the boiling mixture. Allow the reaction to proceed under condensation reflux for 30 min.
(4)Cooling step: Gradually cool the resulting AuPt nanoparticle solution to ambient temperature. Store at 4°C for future use.
(5)Supporting Reagent Preparation: Prepare the following reagents according to the specified concentrations and volumes.
| Reagent | Concentration | Volume (mL) | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| K₂CO₃ | 0.1 M | 100 | Dissolve 1.38 g in ddH2O |
| Trisodium Citrate | 114.1 mg/mL | 100 | Dissolve 11.41 g in ddH2O |
| CaCl₂ | 200 mM | 100 | Dissolve 2.94 g in ddH2O |
| 0.5 × PBS | 0.5 × | 500 | Dilute 10× PBS stock 1:20 with ddH2O |
| 0.5 × PBS (0.05% Tween-20) |
contain 0.05% Tween-20 | 200 | Add 100 μL Tween-20 to 200 mL 0.5× PBS |
| Chloroauric acid | 10 mg/mL | 3.8 | Dissolve 38 mg in ddH2O |
| Chloroplatinic acid | 10 mg/mL | 3 | Dissolve 30 mg in ddH2O |

Background
Traditional detection methods often struggle to strike a balance among sensitivity, speed, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation, especially in field testing or in resource-poor environments. Catalytic systems based on nanoenzymes have emerged as a promising solution to this problem, as they can achieve signal amplification effects beyond those of natural enzymes, and have advantages in stability and tunability.
It is crucial to conduct the assessment under different time and temperature conditions. This assessment is based on the understanding that the biosensors used in practical applications will be exposed to various environments. Confirming that the nanoflowers maintain high activity under various environmental temperatures and can complete the detection within clinically relevant timeframes is a key step in proving their practical application value in rapid bacterial detection.
Principle
The measurement principle revolves on quantifying the peroxidase-like catalytic activity of the nanoflowers by employing a classic colorimetric reaction. The oxidation of the colorless substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) generates a blue-colored product (oxidized TMB), the intensity of which is directly proportional to the catalytic activity of the nanoflowers.
This reaction can be schematically summarized as:
Nanoflower (Catalyst) + H₂O₂ (Oxidant) + TMB (Chromogen) → Oxidized TMB (Blue) + H₂O
Protocols
•Materials:
Microplate reader, 96-well microplates, Incubators, Timer, AuPt nanoparticles, HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄ nanoflowers, HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄@AuPt nanoflowers, TMB solution, H₂O₂ solution, pipettes and tips, Microcentrifuge tubes.
•Procedure:
(1)Comparative Catalytic Activity Assessment
Replicates: All experiments performed in triplicate
Test samples: Three different catalyst systems
a.AuPt nanoparticles alone
b.HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄ nanoflowers
c.HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄@AuPt hybrid nanoflowers
Catalytic Activity Assay: Reaction mixture preparation: For each well, add the following components in order 10 μL of respective nanoflower suspension. 50 μL TMB solution. 150 μL H₂O₂ solution.
Reaction conditions: Room temperature (25°C). Reaction 30 min. Gently mix by pipetting or plate shaking.
Detection and documentation: Measure absorbance at 650 nm using a microplate reader. Take photos with smartphone to document color development. Record all measurements in triplicate.
(2)Reaction Condition Optimization
a.Temperature Optimization: Test catalytic activity at 4°C, 25°C, 30°C, 37°C, 50°C. Reaction time: 30 min at each temperature. Place reaction plates in appropriate temperature-controlled environments.
b.Time Course Optimization: Monitor catalytic activity at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 min.
Use the same reaction system with optimal temperature from previous experiment. Take absorbance readings at each time point. Document color development progression.
Results
After successfully obtaining the four-in-one nanoflowers, we measured and compared their catalytic performance. The experimental results indicated that, compared to individual AuPt nanoparticles and the three-in-one nanoflowers (HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄), the four-in-one nanoflowers (HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄@AuPt) exhibited the highest catalytic performance (Figure 2). This is attributed to the surface of the four-in-one nanoflowers being able to adsorb a large number of AuPt nanoparticles, endowing them with a dual signal amplification function. This also suggests that we can potentially use trace amounts of the four-in-one nanoflowers to achieve significant detection results.


Background
During the development and validation of diagnostic testing methods, especially for bacterial detection, it is crucial to establish reliable and stable performance characteristics, which can ensure the practicality of the method in clinical applications and the feasibility of its translational applications. This process requires a comprehensive assessment of the key analytical parameters that define the sensitivity, precision, specificity, and actual robustness of the testing method, and these parameters need to be evaluated under actual conditions.
Principle
The measurement principle is centered on a colorimetric assay that quantifies bacterial concentration by measuring the catalytic oxidation of a chromogenic substrate. The process leverages the synergistic catalytic activity of the nanoflowers' components.
The detection limit (LOD) is a fundamental measurement indicator, which defines the lowest concentration of an analyte that can be effectively distinguished from the blank sample. It is a crucial metric for evaluating the analytical sensitivity of a detection method.
The relative standard deviation (RSD) is used to measure the reproducibility and repeatability of the detection method. A lower relative standard deviation value (< 5%) indicates that the measurement has high accuracy.
Specificity refers to the property of the detection method that it can accurately identify the target analyte without being affected by cross-reactions with interfering substances present in non-target organisms or sample matrices, thus avoiding the occurrence of false positive results.
Using real samples for testing is of crucial importance. Because the good performance demonstrated in a well-controlled buffer system does not guarantee success in complex clinical, environmental or food matrices.
Finally, the stability storage test will evaluate the performance changes of the nanoflowers over time under specific storage conditions.
Protocols
•Materials:
96-well microplates, Microplate reader, Incubator, PBP solution (10 μg/mL in PBS), HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄@AuPt nanoflowers (1 mg/mL), 0.5 × PBS (0.05% Tween-20), Blocking solution (5% BSA in PBS), TMB solution, H₂O₂ solution, Bacterial samples
•Procedure:
(1)PBP Immobilization in 96-Well Plates
a.Protein coating: Add 100 μL of PBP solution (10 μg/mL in PBS) to each well of the 96-well plate.
b.Incubation: Cover the plate and incubate overnight at 4°C to allow protein adsorption to the plate surface.
c.Washing: Remove unbound PBP by washing with 200 μL washing solution. Perform 3-5 wash cycles. After each wash, gently tap the plate and invert on absorbent paper to remove residual liquid.
d.Blocking: Add 200 μL blocking solution (5% BSA in PBS) to each well. Incubate at room temperature for 1 h to ensure effective blocking. Store at 4°C if not used immediately (avoid freeze-thaw cycles).
(2)Bacterial Detection Assay
a.Sample Preparation: Prepare bacterial samples at concentrations of 10¹-10⁷ CFU/mL in PBS. Use PBS as negative control. Perform 5 independent experiments, each with triplicate wells.
b.Detection Protocol: Add 200 μL of diluted bacterial sample to each test well. Add 10 μL of HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄@AuPt nanoflowers (1 mg/mL),
c.Incubation: Place in 37°C incubator for 20 min to allow bacterial binding and nanoflower attachment.
d.Washing and Signal Development: Remove liquid and tap dry on absorbent paper. Add 200 μL washing solution to each well. Let stand for 1 minute, then discard washing solution. Tap dry on absorbent paper. Repeat washing 5 times,
e.Colorimetric detection: Add 50 μL TMB substrate and 50 μL H₂O₂ solution to each well. For enhanced color reaction, use H₂O₂ at 0.01%-1% concentration. Incubate at 37°C in the dark for 10 min.
f.Measurement and documentation: Measure optical density at 650 nm using microplate reader. Photograph results with smartphone for visual documentation.
(3)Specificity Test
Test nanoflowers functionalized with TFP/gp17 against:
•E. coli
•B. subtilis
•Mixed culture of E. coli and B. subtilis
- Compare RGB values with controls.
(4)Storage Stability
Store HRP, HRP-TFP-CaHPO₄, and HRP-TFP-CaHPO₄-AuPt NPs at room temperature (25°C) for 4 weeks, measuring their catalytic activity weekly using the same detection method as in point 21.
(5)Real Sample Detection
- Dilute milk/tea with PBS (1:10, w/v); mix thoroughly.
- Spike with bacteria (100, 102, 104 CFU/mL);
- Detect as above.
(6)Data Analysis
a.RGB Analysis Protocol: Use an online tool Image Color Picker to analyze smartphone photographs. Extract Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B) values from each well. Calculate B/R ratios for enhanced discrimination.
b.Statistical Analysis: Plot bacterial concentration vs. RGB values and B/R ratios. Establish linear relationship equations.
Calculate Limit of Detection (LOD) using the formula:
LOD = 3 × (SD/K)
Calculate Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) using the formula
RSD = (SD/mean) × 100%
(Where LOD = Limit of Detection, the lowest concentration or amount that the method can reliably detect. 3 = Confidence level constant representing 99% confidence. SD = standard deviation of blank response. K = slope of calibration curve. Mean = Arithmetic mean value of the dataset).
Results
Serial dilutions of E. coli (ranging from 10¹ to 104 CFU/mL) were prepared and detected using four different detection systems for each protein construct (TFP and gp17). The detection results showed that the four-component nanoflower systems (HRP-PBP-CaHPO₄-AuPt NPs) demonstrate significantly enhanced detection sensitivity compared to three-component and control systems. The incorporation of AuPt nanoparticles provides synergistic catalytic amplification, greatly improving the detection limit and dynamic range. The performance trends of TFP and gp17 are similar, indicating that this nano-flower-like structure has extremely high sensitivity in bacterial detection (Figure 4). Compared with the four-component nano-flower of gp17, TFP has a higher detection signal value.


| LOD (CFU/mL) | RSD (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| HRP-TFP-CaHPO₄@AuPt | 19.4 | 3.07-5.23 |
| HRP-gp17-CaHPO₄@AuPt | 10.1 | 3.54-6.51 |


