Mesoporous\nTungsten Oxides with Crystalline Framework\nfor Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Foodborne Pathogens

Abstract

Foodborne pathogens like <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> can cause various illnesses and pose\na serious threat to public\nhealth. They produce species-specific microbial volatile organic compounds,\ni.e., the biomarkers, making it possible to indirectly measure microbial\ncontamination in foodstuff. Herein, highly ordered mesoporous tungsten\noxides with high surface areas and tunable pores have been synthesized\nand used as sensing materials to achieve an exceptionally sensitive\nand selective detection of trace <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>. The mesoporous WO₃-based chemiresistive sensors exhibit\na rapid response, superior sensitivity, and highly selective detection\nof 3-hydroxy-2-butanone. The chemical mechanism study reveals that\nacetic acid is the main product generated by the surface catalytic\nreaction of the biomarker molecule over mesoporous WO₃.\nFurthermore, by using the mesoporous WO₃-based sensors,\na rapid bacteria detection was achieved, with a high sensitivity,\na linear relationship in a broad range, and a high specificity for <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>. Such a good gas sensing performance\nforesees the great potential application of mesoporous WO₃-based sensors for fast and effective detection of microbial contamination\nfor the safety of food, water safety and public health.