Improving performance of a rapid electrochemical MRSA assay: Optimisation of assay conditions to achieve enhanced discrimination of clinically important DNA sequences under ambient conditions
A rapid electrochemical test for MRSA was optimised to improve electrode reproducibility and discrimination at ambient temperatures. Electrode reproducibility and sensor response was improved through the use of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) in the probe immobilisation step. This was the case for both artificial targets and samples of genomic DNA extracted from MRSA. Room temperature discrimination was improved by the use of 40% formamide in the EIS measurement buffer. These findings will help to realise the application of electrochemical tests for point of care testing.