Home-Based Electrochemical Rapid Sensor (HERS): A Diagnostic Tool for Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection worldwide, yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed as a majority of patients are asymptomatic. Untreated BV poses a serious threat as it increases one's risk of STI acquisition, pregnancy complications, and infertility. We aim to minimize these risks by creating a low-cost disposable sensor for at-home BV diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis of BV is most commonly made according to the Amsel criteria. In this method, a fish-like odor, caused by increased levels of trimethylamine (TMA) in vaginal fluid, is used as a key diagnostic. This paper outlines the development of a Home-Based Electrochemical Rapid Sensor (HERS), capable of detecting TMA in simulated vaginal fluid (sVF). Instead of odor-based detection of volatilized TMA, we identify TMA in trimethylammonium form by utilizing HERS and a potentiometric readout. We fabricated the ion selective electrode using a carbon-black-coated cotton string and a TMA-selective membrane consisting of calix[4]arene and sodium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate. When paired with a standard reference electrode, our device was able to quantify TMA concentration in deionized (DI) water, as well as sVF samples at multiple pH levels with a clinically relevant limit of detection (8.66 mu M, and theoretically expected Nernstian slope of 55.14 mV/decade).

Automated summary

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that often goes undetected due to its asymptomatic nature, but it can lead to serious health risks if left untreated. In this study, researchers developed a low-cost disposable sensor called Home-Based Electrochemical Rapid Sensor (HERS) to diagnose BV at home. By utilizing HERS and potentiometric readout, the sensor was able to detect trimethylamine (TMA) in simulated vaginal fluid with a clinically relevant limit of detection. This technology has the potential to minimize the risks associated with BV and improve early detection.