Trends in single-impact electrochemistry for bacteria analysis

Single-impact electrochemistry for the analysis of bacteria is a powerful technique for biosensing applications at the single-cell scale. The sensitivity of this electro-analytical method has been widely demonstrated based on chronoamperometric measurements at an ultramicroelectrode polarized at the appropriate potential of redox species in solution. Furthermore, the most recent studies display a continuous improvement in the ability of this sensitive electrochemical method to identify different bacterial strains with better selectivity. To achieve this, several strategies, such as the presence of a redox mediator, have been investigated for detecting and identifying the bacterial cell through its own electrochemical behavior. Both the blocking electrochemical impacts method and electrochemical collisions of single bacteria with a redox mediator are reported in this review and discussed through relevant examples. An original sensing strategy for virulence factors originating from pathogenic bacteria is also presented, based on a recent proof of concept dealing with redox liposome single-impact electrochemistry. The limitations, applications, perspectives, and challenges of single-impact electrochemistry for bacteria analysis are briefly discussed, based on the most significant published data.

Automated summary

Single-impact electrochemistry is a powerful technique for analyzing bacteria at the single-cell scale. Its sensitivity has been demonstrated through chronoamperometric measurements at a polarized ultramicroelectrode. Recent studies have shown improved selectivity in identifying different bacterial strains by employing strategies like the use of redox mediators. The review discusses blocking electrochemical impacts method, electrochemical collisions, and a novel sensing strategy for virulence factors from pathogenic bacteria.