A Sensitive and simple macrophage-based electrochemical biosensor for evaluating lipopolysaccharide cytotoxicity of pathogenic bacteria

In this study, a sensitive and simple electrochemical murine macrophage (Ana-1) cell sensor has been developed for early detection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to evaluate the toxicity of pathogenic bacteria. Magnetic glassy carbon electrode (MGCE), which possesses excellent reproducibility and regeneration qualities, was modified with a nanocomposite to improve electrochemical signals and enhance the sensitivity. The synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were internalized into murine macrophages, which completed the immobilization of macrophages onto the modified electrode for evaluating the cytotoxicity of LPS by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The MNPs facilitated reusability of the proposed sensor by allowing removal of the magnetic core from the electrode. Our results indicated that LPS caused a marked decrease in electrochemical impedance in a dose-dependent manner in range of 1-5 μg/mL. By SEM, we found that microvilli on the plasma membrane became scarce and the membrane became smooth on cells incubated with LPS, which lessens the absorption of cells to reduce the impedance. And biological assay indicated that EIS patterns were correlated with the calcium concentration in cells, and suggested that [Ca2+]i production increased in cells incubated with LPS and its mobilization altered electrochemical signals. Compared with conventional methods, this electrochemical test is inexpensive, highly sensitive, and has a quick response, and thus provides a new avenue for evaluating the cytotoxicity of pathogens.