Research Progress on Detection of Pathogens in Medical Wastewater by Electrochemical Biosensors
Bangyao Chen,
Jiahuan He,
Kewei Tian,
Jie Qu,
Lihui Hong,
Qin Lin,
Keda Yang,
Lei Ma,
Xiaoling Xu
Affiliations
Bangyao Chen
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Jiahuan He
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Kewei Tian
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Jie Qu
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Lihui Hong
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Qin Lin
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Keda Yang
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Lei Ma
Beijing Key Laboratory of Fuels Cleaning and Advanced Catalytic Emission Reduction Technology, Beijing College of New Materials and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
Xiaoling Xu
Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
The detection of pathogens in medical wastewater is crucial due to the high content of pathogenic microorganisms that pose significant risks to public health and the environment. Medical wastewater, which includes waste from infectious disease and tuberculosis facilities, as well as comprehensive medical institutions, contains a variety of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Traditional detection methods like nucleic acid detection and immunological assays, while effective, are often time-consuming, expensive, and not suitable for rapid detection in underdeveloped areas. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative with advantages including simplicity, rapid response, portability, and low cost. This paper reviews the sources of pathogens in medical wastewater, highlighting specific bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus), viruses (e.g., enterovirus, respiratory viruses, hepatitis virus), parasites, and fungi. It also discusses various electrochemical biosensing techniques such as voltammetry, conductometry, impedance, photoelectrochemical, and electrochemiluminescent biosensors. These technologies facilitate the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of pathogens, thereby supporting public health and environmental safety. Future research may should pay more attention on enhancing sensor sensitivity and specificity, developing portable and cost-effective devices, and innovating detection methods for diverse pathogens to improve public health protection and environmental monitoring.
