Approaching intelligent infection diagnostics: carbon fibre sensor for electrochemical pyocyanin detection

The pertinence of exploiting carbon fibre tow as an electrochemical sensing matrix for assessing pyocyanin production is evaluated. Pyocyanin is released by Ps. aeruginosa as a quorum signalling molecule during wound colonisation, increasing virulence and damaging host physiology, both contributing to an increased risk of infection. Prototype sensor assemblies have been developed and response characteristics towards pyocyanin are detailed. Sensitive and precise electrochemical measurements of pyocyanin by square wave voltammetry are established that enable the periodic monitoring of wound exudates for the presence of pyocyanin and serve as an early/pre-infection marker. As such, the pyocyanin sensor is presented as a possible sensor for intelligent wound management though incorporation into a 'smart-bandage' assembly or for use as a Point of Care Test for detection of Ps aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients' sputa