Magnesium Interference Inhibition in GUITAR-Coated Carbon Fiber Electrode PCR for 17-Minute Salmonella Detection
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. I. Francis Cheng, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Replication of DNA is critical for genetic profiling in medical (disease detection), forensic investigation, and environmental study using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing; however, these procedures can be time-consuming and face significant inhibition from naturally occurring substances such as urea, magnesium, heme, polysaccharides, lipids, and phenolics, hindering expedient intervention and treatment. Electrochemical biosensors are a promising rapid detection alternative, with Graphene from the University of Idaho Thermolyzed Asphalt Reaction (GUITAR) deposited on carbon fibers, which can detect Salmonella using PCR in only 17 min. This study investigates the mechanisms by which magnesium interferes with the electrochemical detection of Salmonella by GUITAR electrodes, using square-wave voltammetry and modulation of signal interferences to determine and attenuate the effect of magnesium ions on the successful detection of biological analytes via this process. Previous studies with the GUITAR electrodes showed inhibition of magnesium interference, and the goal of this study is to explore and understand this property of GUITAR electrodes for future applications that could revolutionize analyte testing – turning lab hours into on-the-spot detection.
Magnesium Interference Inhibition in GUITAR-Coated Carbon Fiber Electrode PCR for 17-Minute Salmonella Detection
Replication of DNA is critical for genetic profiling in medical (disease detection), forensic investigation, and environmental study using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing; however, these procedures can be time-consuming and face significant inhibition from naturally occurring substances such as urea, magnesium, heme, polysaccharides, lipids, and phenolics, hindering expedient intervention and treatment. Electrochemical biosensors are a promising rapid detection alternative, with Graphene from the University of Idaho Thermolyzed Asphalt Reaction (GUITAR) deposited on carbon fibers, which can detect Salmonella using PCR in only 17 min. This study investigates the mechanisms by which magnesium interferes with the electrochemical detection of Salmonella by GUITAR electrodes, using square-wave voltammetry and modulation of signal interferences to determine and attenuate the effect of magnesium ions on the successful detection of biological analytes via this process. Previous studies with the GUITAR electrodes showed inhibition of magnesium interference, and the goal of this study is to explore and understand this property of GUITAR electrodes for future applications that could revolutionize analyte testing – turning lab hours into on-the-spot detection.