Bacterial Discrimination and Elimination with DNA-Encoded Nanozyme Sensor Array

Oral health is critical in combating problems caused by bacterial infections. Nanotechnological approaches in environments such as dental plaque and artificial saliva not only accelerate diagnostic processes, but also directly contribute to treatment.

The DNA-encoded nanozyme sensor array, developed by combining iron oxide nanoparticles and DNA molecules, provides high sensitivity and speed in bacterial differentiation, ushering in a new era in dental health applications. Visit Nanografi's website to learn more about advanced nanomaterials, including iron oxide nanoparticles, and to explore innovative solutions in this field.

Introduction

Bacterial infections can have a significant impact on general health, especially oral health. Problems such as dental caries and gum disease can lead to serious complications such as endocarditis and neurological disorders if infections are not detected early. Traditional diagnostic methods are often limited by lengthy laboratory analyses and high costs. This situation has led to the necessity to develop more sensitive, fast and applicable methods.

The possibilities offered by nanotechnology offer a significant potential in this field. In particular, the DNA-encoded nanozyme sensor array makes it possible to accurately detect and destroy bacteria at the same time thanks to the sensitivity and tunability of nanomaterials. This technology contributes to the development of more effective and reliable processes in healthcare applications.

What are DNA-Encoded Nanozyme Sensors?

DNA-encoded nanozyme sensors are an innovative technology developed for the detection and elimination of bacteria in complex environments such as dental plaque and artificial saliva in oral health. These sensors can be described as an ‘electronic tongue’ in terms of their working principle. Just as the human tongue is able to detect and distinguish between different taste molecules, this technology has the capacity to selectively identify bacterial species and perform sensitive separation and analysis. However, this is not a tasting process, but the detection of chemical changes resulting from the interaction of specific DNA sequences with bacteria.

How Do DNA-Encoded Nanozyme Sensors Work?

The sensor system is based on the combination of iron oxide nanoparticles and engineered DNA molecules. These DNA molecules are programmed to be specific to certain bacterial species. When the sample, for example dental plaque or artificial saliva, is added to the sensor, the DNA molecules bind with the target bacteria. This binding process causes detectable colour changes in the sensor. The colour changes allow the bacterial species and their quantities to be accurately determined. Thus, the sensor functions as a system that can distinguish the identity of bacteria, in line with the ‘electronic tongue’ analogy.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this technology is the ability to detect multiple bacterial species simultaneously. Whereas conventional methods require separate analyses for each species, DNA-encoded nanozyme sensors offer multiple detections in a single process. This research speeds up the diagnostic process and increases sensitivity when analysing complex samples. The electronic tongue approach allows these sensors to be used as an important tool not only in bacterial diagnosis but also in treatment processes.

Figure 1. Nanozym Sensor Arrays for the Taste System and Dental Bacteria Detection

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Functions of DNA Molecules

One of the most important components that enable DNA-encoded nanozyme sensors to work effectively is iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). These nanoparticles are only a few nanometres in size and have a very large surface area. This large surface area makes it possible for them to establish fast and effective interactions with bacteria. In addition, iron oxide nanoparticles have another advantage that facilitates diagnosis and treatment processes thanks to their magnetic properties. Magnetic properties allow the sensor to be quickly directed to target areas and contribute to obtaining results with high accuracy in samples.

Single-strand DNA (ssDNA) are another critical component that enables the tunability of the sensors. Each DNA molecule can be designed to be specific to particular bacteria. This tunable structure allows the sensor to identify multiple bacteria simultaneously. DNA molecules interact with proteins and other biomolecules on the surface of bacteria, creating a unique chemical ‘fingerprint’. As a result of these interactions, the type and amount of bacteria is determined by the sensor with a high accuracy.

Role of Nanozymes and Reactive Oxygen Species

Nanozymes, which provide enzyme-like activities of the sensor, accelerate reactions, enabling bacterial detection and elimination to take place in a shorter time. Compared to conventional enzymes, nanozymes are more stable and remain functional even under harsh conditions such as extreme temperature and pH changes. This enables the sensor to provide reliable results even in complex environments such as dental plaque or artificial saliva.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a critical role in the treatment process, disrupt the membrane structure of bacteria and neutralise them. ROS selectively attack target bacteria and ensure effective elimination without harming surrounding healthy cells. This feature increases the sensitivity of the treatment process, while helping to minimise side effects.

Another advantage of nanomaterials is their customisable structure. For example, by using different DNA molecules, the sensor can be adapted not only for dental health but also for other medical applications. This feature enables DNA-encoded nanozyme sensors to have a wide range of uses and suggests that in the future they could also be used in the diagnosis and treatment of different infections.

Conclusion

DNA-encoded nanozyme sensors set a new standard in healthcare technologies by offering high sensitivity and speed in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections that threaten oral health. Working with a combination of iron oxide nanoparticles, DNA molecules and nanozymes, this system enables bacteria to be accurately detected and neutralised by reactive oxygen species. This innovative technology, which has a wide potential to be used not only in oral health but also in different medical fields, offers more effective, reliable and customisable solutions in healthcare applications.

For more information on innovative technologies and the world of nanotechnology, visit Blografi.

References

Hajipour, M. J., Saei, A. A., Walker, E. D., Conley, B., Omidi, Y., Lee, K. B., & Mahmoudi, M. (2021). Nanotechnology for Targeted Detection and Removal of Bacteria: Opportunities and Challenges. Advanced Science, 8(21), 2100556. https://doi.org/10.1002/ADVS.202100556

Zhang, L., Qi, Z., Yang, Y., Lu, N., & Tang, Z. (2024). Enhanced “Electronic Tongue” for Dental Bacterial Discrimination and Elimination Based on a DNA-Encoded Nanozyme Sensor Array. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 16(9), 11228–11238. https://doi.org/10.1021/ACSAMI.3C17134/SUPPL_FILE/AM3C17134_SI_001.PDF