Ultrasensitive Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Using a Surface Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Modified Screen-Printed Electrode

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with nosocomial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections, particularly in immunocompromised or hospitalized patients. These infections are often difficult to treat due to the pathogen’s intrinsic antibiotic resistance and biofilm-forming ability. Therefore, rapid and selective detection of P. aeruginosa is essential for early diagnosis and effective infection control. In this study, a novel surface-imprinted MIP design uniquely combines methacrylamide (MAM), acrylamide (AAM), and vinylpyrrolidone (VP) monomers to generate recognition cavities that are complementary to the surface morphology and physicochemical properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells. Unlike traditional MIP approaches, this surface imprinting strategy provides improved stability and reproducibility, without relying on biological recognition elements like antibodies or aptamers. This novel approach enabled us to achieve an ultralow LOD of 1 CFU/mL over a linear range of 1–10⁴ CFU/mL, demonstrating excellent analytical performance. In addition, the sensor exhibited good reproducibility with an RSD of 5–12%. The novelty of this work lies in the use of a surface-imprinted MIP strategy combined with a multi-monomer system to enhance bacterial recognition and sensing performance. Overall, the proposed MIP-based electrochemical biomimetic sensor offers a rapid, cost-effective, and portable platform with strong potential for the detection of P. aeruginosa in clinical and environmental applications.