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An innovative electrochemical approach for forensic identification of saliva.

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Title: An innovative electrochemical approach for forensic identification of saliva.
Authors: Govender, Priyanka1 (AUTHOR), Alake, John2 (AUTHOR), Kajee, Afsana2 (AUTHOR), Albericio, Fernando3 (AUTHOR), G. de la Torre, Beatriz3 (AUTHOR), Kumar, Ashish3 (AUTHOR), Adu, Darko Kwabena2 (AUTHOR), Ghai, Meenu1 (AUTHOR) Ghai@ukzn.ac.za, Karpoormath, Rajshekhar1,2 (AUTHOR) Karpoormath@ukzn.ac.za
Source: Microchemical Journal. May2026, Vol. 224, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Electrochemical sensors, Saliva analysis, Biomarkers, Streptococcus, Peptides, Carbon nanotubes, Electrochemical analysis
Abstract: Saliva is one of the most commonly found body fluids at crime scenes. Therefore, rapid and accurate saliva identification is critical in forensic investigations. In recent years, bacterial detection has emerged as a promising and reliable method for saliva identification. In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed for the detection of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), a bacterial species specific to saliva. The sensor was fabricated by immobilizing the GH12 peptide (GLLWHLLHHLLH-NH₂) onto carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNT-COOH) via EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to evaluate the sensor's performance. The sensor displayed sensitivity and selectivity for S. salivarius with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.15 McF and a rapid response time of 40 min. The sensor demonstrated high specificity and reproducibility. More importantly, the sensor identified saliva in mixed body fluid samples, highlighting its practical applicability for forensic casework. Additionally, the sensor maintained stable and consistent performance for up to three days, suggesting that the GH12 peptide is suitable for short-term use. Notably, the sensor showed reduced performance with desiccated or improperly stored saliva. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first electrochemical sensor for forensic detection of saliva capable of detecting S. salivarius in a mixture. Overall, this peptide-based electrochemical sensor provides a sensitive and specific platform for saliva identification, representing a significant advancement in forensic biosensing. This research provides a foundational demonstration of the potential of electrochemical sensors for this application and will set the tone for future studies. [Display omitted] • First electrochemical biosensor for forensic saliva identification. • S. salivarius is a reliable bacterial marker for saliva detection. • GH12 peptide enables specific detection for S. salivarius. • Accurate identification of saliva in body fluid mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Saliva is one of the most commonly found body fluids at crime scenes. Therefore, rapid and accurate saliva identification is critical in forensic investigations. In recent years, bacterial detection has emerged as a promising and reliable method for saliva identification. In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed for the detection of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), a bacterial species specific to saliva. The sensor was fabricated by immobilizing the GH12 peptide (GLLWHLLHHLLH-NH₂) onto carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNT-COOH) via EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed to evaluate the sensor's performance. The sensor displayed sensitivity and selectivity for S. salivarius with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.15 McF and a rapid response time of 40 min. The sensor demonstrated high specificity and reproducibility. More importantly, the sensor identified saliva in mixed body fluid samples, highlighting its practical applicability for forensic casework. Additionally, the sensor maintained stable and consistent performance for up to three days, suggesting that the GH12 peptide is suitable for short-term use. Notably, the sensor showed reduced performance with desiccated or improperly stored saliva. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first electrochemical sensor for forensic detection of saliva capable of detecting S. salivarius in a mixture. Overall, this peptide-based electrochemical sensor provides a sensitive and specific platform for saliva identification, representing a significant advancement in forensic biosensing. This research provides a foundational demonstration of the potential of electrochemical sensors for this application and will set the tone for future studies. [Display omitted] • First electrochemical biosensor for forensic saliva identification. • S. salivarius is a reliable bacterial marker for saliva detection. • GH12 peptide enables specific detection for S. salivarius. • Accurate identification of saliva in body fluid mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0026265X
DOI:10.1016/j.microc.2026.117748