Magnetosome-Based Immunosensors for Foodborne Pathogen Detection

Foodborne illnesses remain a global challenge, requiring rapid and sensitive detection platforms. We developed a magnetosome-based electrochemical immunosensor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigens from Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Magnetosomes isolated from Magnetospirillum sp. RJS1 were characterized by HR-TEM and functionalized with antibodies (2 CFU mL⁻¹), with FTIR confirming successful conjugation. The antibody–magnetosome complexes were immobilized on a chitosan/glutaraldehyde-modified glassy carbon electrode. AFM revealed globular (200–700 nm) and island-like (1–3 µm) features after antigen binding. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed stepwise increases in charge-transfer resistance upon electrode modification and antigen interaction. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity toward E. coli (3–7 CFU mL⁻¹) and Salmonella (3–8 CFU mL⁻¹), achieving an immune sensitivity of 36.24 Ω/CFU mL⁻¹ and a detection limit of 1 CFU mL⁻¹. These results demonstrate the potential of magnetosome-based immunosensors as portable, efficient platforms for the rapid detection of foodborne pathogens in real samples.