Paper-based luminescence bioassay method embedding a sequence of enzymatic reactions to detect sulfonamide groups. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ujiie, Kazuki; Matsuura, Hideyuki; My Duyen, Tran; Izutsu, Koki; Nitta, Ayaka; Harada, Kazuo; Hirata, Kazumasa
• Is Part Of: Journal of antibiotics. Volume 71:Number 12(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1044
• Page End: 1047
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Antibiotics -- Periodicals; 615.329
• DOI: 10.1038/s41429-018-0094-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8820

Abstract

Abstract Sulfonamide residue in foodstuffs and the environment is a serious global concern for their contribution to the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially in developing countries. Here, we describe a novel, simple, and low-cost bioassay for sulfonamides, which has high potential versatility for use in low-resource settings. The bioassay method is based on a purpose-built luminescent assay reaction that detects sulfonamide groups. The luminescent assay reaction comprises dihydropteroate synthase, a target enzyme of sulfonamides, and luminescent pyrophosphate detection reagent, which triggers a sequence of biomolecular reactions that convert sulfonamides to emit luminescence. The novel assay detected at least six different sulfonamides with an estimated limit of detection of <25 ng ml−1 in a solution-phase assay using a microplate reader. More importantly, the luminescent assay reaction functioned even after spotting and freeze-drying on a wax pattern-printed paper platform. The paper-embedded luminescent assay reaction showed response signals to sulfadiazine within 30 min at a limit of detection similar to that of the solution-phase assay using a microplate reader. The signal could be recorded using a digital camera in the dark and required no other laboratory infrastructure, freeing the assay from the constraints of a well-fitted laboratory.