Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Au@MoS₂–PANI for Escherichia coli Detection

Bacterial infections have become a significant challenge in terms of public health, the food industry, and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to address these challenges by developing a rapid, cost-effective, and easy-to-use biosensor for early diagnosis of bacterial pathogens. Herein, we developed a simple, label-free, and highly sensitive immunosensor based on electrochemical detection using the Au@MoS₂–PANI nanocomposite. The conductivity of the glassy carbon electrode is greatly enhanced using the Au@MoS₂–PANI nanocomposite and a self-assembled monolayer of mercaptopropionic acid on the gold nanoparticle surface was employed for the covalent immobilization of antibodies to minimize the nonspecific adsorption of bacterial pathogens on the electrode surface. The biosensor established a high selectivity and sensitivity with a low limit of detection of 10 CFU/mL, and detected Escherichia coli within 30 min. Moreover, the developed biosensor demonstrated a good linear detection range, practical utility in urine samples, and electrode regenerative studies.