RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Naked-eye detection of Listeria monocytogenes using smart chromogenic polymers with tuneable surface morphologies
A1 Arnáiz Alonso, Ana
A1 Melero Gil, Beatriz
A1 Trigo López, Miriam
A1 Mendía Jalón, Aránzazu
A1 Fuente Vivas, Dalia de la
A1 Iñigo Martínez, María Emilia
A1 Gómez Cuadrado, Laura
A1 Ibeas Cortes, Saturnino
A1 Vallejos Calzada, Saúl
K1 Listeria
K1 L. monocytogenes
K1 Polymer-based biosensors
K1 Chromogenic
K1 PI-PLC protease activity
K1 Smart material
K1 Polymeric sensors
K1 Listeriosis
K1 Sensores químicos
K1 Chemical detectors
AB Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen associated with listeriosis, with a mortality rate of up to 30 %. Conventional detection methods are often time-consuming and require sophisticated equipment or complementary techniques to ensure sensitivity and specificity. This study presents a smart chromogenic polymeric sensor for the rapid detection of L. monocytogenes based on the activity of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Six hydrophilic polymer films with identical compositions but different surface properties were developed, incorporating a chromogenic substrate that produces a visible colour change upon enzymatic hydrolysis, allowing the direct visual identification of L. monocytogenes. The sensitivity and specificity were assessed against a panel of foodborne bacteria, with detection limits of 104 CFUs/mL. Among the tested materials, NC2sf, Ff, and Sf showed the highest sensitivity and limited cross-reactivity with L. ivanovii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. Biocompatibility assays in HepG2 cells confirmed acceptable cytocompatibility, underscoring the importance of substrate selection for minimising adverse cellular effects. A proof-of-concept test on chicken breast slices and fresh-cut melon demonstrated the specific detection of L. monocytogenes and clear discrimination from non-pathogenic L. innocua, confirming the robustness and selectivity of the system. Finally, a Life Cycle Assessment highlighted the environmental impact of the sensing materials and provided insights into their potential pre-industrial scalability.
PB Elsevier
SN 0925-4005
YR 2026
FD 2026-03
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11487
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11487
LA eng
NO We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by all the funders. The financial support provided by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-European Regional Development Fund (FEDER, ERDF) and Regional Government of Castilla y León -Consejería de Educación, Junta de Castilla y León- (BU025P23) is gratefully acknowledged. Author S. Vallejos received Grant PID2023–147301OB-I00 and Grant 3101166576–166576–29–325 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER, EU. This work was supported by the Regional Government of Castilla y León (Junta de Castilla y León) and by the Ministry of Science and Innovation MICIN and the European Union NextGenerationEU PRTR. Author Saul Vallejos received grant BG22/00086 funded by Spanish Ministerio de Universidades.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Burgos
RD 19-abr-2026