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Abstract Background The prevalence and death rate arising from malaria infection, and emergence of other diseases showing similar symptoms to malaria require the development of malaria-specific and sensitive devices for its diagnosis. To address this, the design and fabrication of low-cost, rapid, paper-based analytical devices (µPAD) using surface-immobilized aptamers to detect the presence of a recombinant malarial biomarker—Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (rPfLDH)—is reported in this study. Methods Test zones on paper surfaces were created by covalently immobilizing streptavidin to the paper, subsequently attaching biotinylated aptamers to streptavidin. Aptamers selectively bound rPfLDH. The measurement of captured rPfLDH enzyme activity served as the means of detecting this biomarker. Enzyme activity across three replicate sensors was digitally quantified using the colorimetric Malstat assay. Results Screening of several different aptamers reported in the literature showed that aptamers rLDH7 and 2008s immobilized in this manner specifically recognised and captured PfLDH. Using rLDH7, the sensitivity of the µPAD sensor was evaluated and the µPAD sensor was applied for preferential detection of rPfLDH, both in buffered solutions of the protein and in spiked serum and red blood cell lysate samples. In buffered solutions, the test zone of the µPAD sensor exhibited a K D of 24 ± 11 nM and an empirical limit of detection of 17 nM, respectively, a limit similar to commercial antibody-based sensors exposed to rPfLDH. The specific recognition of 133 nM rPfLDH in undiluted serum and blood samples was demonstrated by the µPAD. Conclusion The reported µPAD demonstrates the potential of integrating aptamers into paper-based malarial rapid diagnostic tests. Graphical Abstract The assembly of µPAD sensors using APTEC assay principles for the detection the malarial biomarker, lactate dehydrogenase enzymes from Plasmodium falciparum (PfLDH). The aptamers immobilized at the test zones capture the PfLDH in samples. After washing the unbound sample components from the zones, Malstat assay reagents are added for colour development, proportional to the amount of captured PfLDH.

Paper-based sensors have received increasing attention in the last decade, their use has spread to various application fields, such as clinical diagnostic, food safety, environmental monitoring, etc. Feature inherent to on-side detection is suitable to be used as point-of-care (POC) testing, including avoided sampling, sample preparation, and laborious procedure in the classical clinical lab, which is undoubtedly driving many developments of this lab-on-paper technology. The detection of biomarkers that are related to human health conditions has to play important role in the indication of the risk of diseases. In this review, the development of paper-based sensors for the detection of important biomarkers is presented. The also emphasis on recognition elements, such as chromophores/fluorophores, plasmonic nanoparticles, metal nanoclusters, etc., used to serve suitable selectivity and sensitivity. The performance of paper-based sensors using various techniques, including optical and electrochemical and other detection techniques are addressed. Furthermore, their limitations and prospects are discussed. The review also highlights cutting-edge technologies for further enhancement in the sensor performances for biomarkers detection.

Total bilirubin values have been used as a potential marker to pre-screen and diagnose various liver-based diseases such as jaundice, bile obstruction, liver cancer, etc. A device known as KromaHealth Kit, composed of paper and an acrylic backbone, is developed to quantify total bilirubin in human serum using image processing and machine learning technology. The biochemical assays are deposited on absorbent paper pads that act as reaction zones when serum is added. A dedicated smartphone app captures images of the colorimetric changes on the pad and converts them into quantitative values of bilirubin. The range of bilirubin concentration that can be quantified using the device ranges from 0.5 mg/dl to 7.0 mg/dl. The precision, limit of detection, interference analysis, linearity, stability, and comparison with a predicate are studied in this paper in accordance with clinical and laboratory standards institute. The results indicate that the KromaHealth Kit can be used as an inexpensive alternative to conventional bilirubin testing in clinical settings. With its level of precision, ease-of-use, long shelf-life, and short turnaround time, it will prove to be invaluable in limited-resource settings.

Within the last decade, challenges of diagnosis have emerged on the global health agenda, accompanied by an expansion in the use of point-of-care and rapid detection devices in low-resource contexts where laboratory facilities are scarce. Few studies have explored how these changes are shaping people’s diagnostic journeys and their modes of accessing such technologies. In this paper I show how sick people and their families in a peri-urban area in Burkina Faso attempt to access diagnostic technologies and make themselves visible to the healthcare system through papers. In this context, I show how referral papers and diagnostic papers take on significance for people as they attempt to access care and diagnostic technologies and ‘carry’ knowledge between different levels of the healthcare system. The use of papers is often an uncertain undertaking, as they remain unintelligible to the sick and the layperson. I highlight how the form of the papers makes a crucial difference to the ways that sick people are able to use them. Papers and diagnostic technologies present both opportunities and challenges, and simultaneously engender hope, uncertainty, disappointment, and despair for the sick seeking a cure. Uncertainties, especially financial ones, arise with the possibility of new referrals and diagnostic tests, and along the way many give up or are immobilised when faced with diagnostic ambiguity.

Benign conditions of the lower urinary tract, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, overactive bladder syndrome, and stress urinary incontinence, are frequent in the general population. Despite their benign nature, they have major adverse effects on the quality of life of the afflicted patients and their partners. Despite major progress in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, improved understanding and management of these patients remain substantial medical needs. This editorial discusses some recent high-quality articles published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine on the understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic, and treatment of benign diseases of the lower urinary tract tissues such as the bladder and prostate.

Abstract Background Propensity scores are widely used to deal with confounding bias in medical research. An incorrectly specified propensity score model may lead to residual confounding bias; therefore it is essential to use diagnostics to assess propensity scores in a propensity score analysis. The current use of propensity score diagnostics in the medical literature is unknown. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess the use of propensity score diagnostics in medical studies published in high-ranking journals, and (2) assess whether the use of propensity score diagnostics differs between studies (a) in different research areas and (b) using different propensity score methods. Methods A PubMed search identified studies published in high-impact journals between Jan 1st 2014 and Dec 31st 2016 using propensity scores to answer an applied medical question. From each study we extracted information regarding how propensity scores were assessed and which propensity score method was used. Research area was defined using the journal categories from the Journal Citations Report. Results A total of 894 papers were included in the review. Of these, 187 (20.9%) failed to report whether the propensity score had been assessed. Commonly reported diagnostics were p-values from hypothesis tests (36.6%) and the standardised mean difference (34.6%). Statistical tests provided marginally stronger evidence for a difference in diagnostic use between studies in different research areas (p = 0.033) than studies using different propensity score methods (p = 0.061). Conclusions The use of diagnostics in the propensity score medical literature is far from optimal, with different diagnostics preferred in different areas of medicine. The propensity score literature may improve with focused efforts to change practice in areas where suboptimal practice is most common.

Objective: This study evaluated the bibliometric data of the most common publication types of the neuroimaging literature.Methods: PubMed was searched to identify all published papers with “neuroimaging” as their MeSH Major Topics, and they were further searched by the following publication types: case report, clinical trial, comparative study, editorial, evaluation study, guideline, meta-analysis, multicenter study, randomized controlled trial, review, technical report, and validation study. The proportion of papers belonging to each publication type published in neuroimaging journals was calculated. Year-adjusted mean citation counts for each publication type were computed using data from Web of Science. Publication trend and its correlation with citation performance were assessed.Results: Review and comparative study were the most common publication types. Publication types with the highest proportion in neuroimaging journals were guideline, validation study, and technical reports. Since the year 2000, multicenter study, review, and meta-analysis showed the strongest linear increase in annual publication count. These publication types also had the highest year-adjusted citation counts (4.7–10.0). Publication types with the lowest year-adjusted citation counts were editorial and case report (0.5–1.0). It was estimated that 12.5% of the publications labeled as case reports were incorrectly labeled.Conclusions: Neuroimaging literature has been expanding with papers of higher levels of evidence, such as meta-analyses, multicenter studies, and randomized controlled trials.

The following article summarizes United States Patent Application No. US20180052155A1, titled ‘Assay Devices and Methods’ (filed 16 August 2016, published 22 February 2018). While lateral flow assays (LFAs) have revolutionized point-of-care diagnostics by enabling accurate, inexpensive, and rapid detection of biomarkers, they typically do not provide quantitative results. Hence, there is a significant need for quantitative assays at the point of care. This patent summary describes a novel method of chronometric biomarker quantitation via enzymatic degradation of a metastable gelatin-based biomatrix, principally suited for use in paper-based microfluidic devices (microPADs). This new quantitation mechanism was designed to meet the ASSURED criteria for point-of-care diagnostic devices laid forth by the World Health Organization and may ultimately provide increased access to healthcare, at a significantly reduced cost, around the world.

Listeria monocytogenes is the third most deadly foodborne pathogen in the United States. The bacterium is found in soil and water, contaminating raw food products and the processing environment, where it can persist for an extended period. Currently, testing of food contact and non-food contact surfaces is performed using an array of sampling devices and endpoint technologies, offering various levels of sensitivity, cost, user skill, and time to detection. Paper-based microfluidic devices (µPADs) are a rapid detection platform amenable to low-cost, user-friendly, and portable diagnostics. In this study, we developed and evaluated a µPAD platform specific for the colorimetric detection of the Listeria genus following recovery from food contact and non-food contact surfaces. For detection, four colorimetric substrates specific for the detection of β-glucosidase, two broths selective for the detection of Listeria spp., and a nonselective broth were evaluated to facilitate detection of Listeria spp. The limit of detection and time to detection were determined by using pure bacterial cultures. After 8 h enrichment, L. monocytogenes (102 Colony Forming Units (CFU)/coupon) was detected on every surface. After 18 h enrichment, L. monocytogenes (102 CFU/coupon) was detected on all surfaces with all swabbing devices. This study demonstrated the ability of the µPAD-based method to detect potentially stressed cells at low levels of environmental contamination.

Benign conditions of the lower urinary tract, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, overactive bladder syndrome, and stress urinary incontinence, are frequent in the general population. Despite their benign nature, they have major adverse effects on the quality of life of the afflicted patients and their partners. Despite major progress in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, improved understanding and management of these patients remain substantial medical needs. This editorial discusses some recent high-quality articles published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine on the understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic, and treatment of benign diseases of the lower urinary tract tissues such as the bladder and prostate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based sensors are a new alternative technology for fabricating simple, low-cost, portable and disposable analytical devices for many application areas including clinical diagnosis, food quality control and environmental monitoring. The unique properties of paper which allow passive liquid transport and compatibility with chemicals/biochemicals are the main advantages of using paper as a sensing platform. Depending on the main goal to be achieved in paper-based sensors, the fabrication methods and the analysis techniques can be tuned to fulfill the needs of the end-user. Current paper-based sensors are focused on microfluidic delivery of solution to the detection site whereas more advanced designs involve complex 3-D geometries based on the same microfluidic principles. Although paper-based sensors are very promising, they still suffer from certain limitations such as accuracy and sensitivity. However, it is anticipated that in the future, with advances in fabrication and analytical techniques, that there will be more new and innovative developments in paper-based sensors. These sensors could better meet the current objectives of a viable low-cost and portable device in addition to offering high sensitivity and selectivity, and multiple analyte discrimination. This paper is a review of recent advances in paper-based sensors and covers the following topics: existing fabrication techniques, analytical methods and application areas. Finally, the present challenges and future outlooks are discussed.

Reagent pencils allow for solvent-free deposition of reagents onto paper-based microfluidic devices. The pencils are portable, easy to use, extend the shelf-life of reagents, and offer a platform for customizing diagnostic devices at the point of care. In this work, reagent pencils were characterized by measuring the wear resistance of pencil cores made from polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with different molecular weights and incorporating various concentrations of three different reagents using a standard pin abrasion test, as well as by measuring the efficiency of reagent delivery from the pencils to the test zones of paper-based microfluidic devices using absorption spectroscopy and digital image colorimetry. The molecular weight of the PEG, concentration of the reagent, and the molecular weight of the reagent were all found to have an inverse correlation with the wear of the pencil cores, but the amount of reagent delivered to the test zone of a device correlated most strongly with the concentration of the reagent in the pencil core. Up to 49% of the total reagent deposited on a device with a pencil was released into the test zone, compared to 58% for reagents deposited from a solution. The results suggest that reagent pencils can be prepared for a variety of reagents using PEGs with molecular weights in the range of 2000 to 6000 g/mol.

This paper presents a lateral flow assay (LFA) for the quantitative, fluorescence-based detection of the cardiac biomarker troponin I (cTnI) that features an analytical strip made of cellulose filter paper. The results show that the wicking and test time are comparable to those obtained with conventional nitrocellulose (NC)-based LFAs. Further, the cellulose paper provides an excellent background with no auto-fluorescence that is very adequate in detecting fluorescent lines. While fluorescence that was generated with cellulose strips was lower when compared to that generated in NC strips, signals could be improved by layering carbon nanofibers (CNF) on the cellulose. A nonlinear behavior of the concentration–response relationship was observed for the LFA architectures with NC, cellulose, and cellulose-CNF in the 0 to 200 ng/mL cTnI concentration range. The measurements were consistent and characterized by coefficients of variation lower than 2.5%. Detection and quantitation limits that were in the range 1.28–1.40 ng/mL and 2.10–2.75 ng/mL were obtained for LFA with cellulose and cellulose CNF strips that are equivalent to the limits obtained with the standard NC LFA. Overall, we showed that commercially available filter paper can be used in the analytical strip of LFA.

Current centralised healthcare models pose many challenges, particularly for developing countries such as South Africa, where travel and time costs make it difficult for patients to seek healthcare, even when urgently needed. To address this issue, point-of-care (PoC) tests, which are performed at or near the site of clinical care, have gained popularity and are actively being developed. Microfluidic systems, in which small volumes of fluids can be processed, provide an ideal platform on which to develop PoC diagnostic solutions. Specifically, the emerging field of paper-based microfluidics, with advantages such as low-cost, disposability and minimal external equipment requirements, provides unique opportunities for addressing healthcare issues in developing countries. This work explores the field of paper-based microfluidics, with step-by-step instructions on the design, manufacture and testing processes to realise paper-based devices towards diagnostic applications. Paper-based microfluidic and electronic components are presented, as well as the integration of these components to provide smart paper-based devices. This serves as an educational tool, enabling both beginners and experts in the field to fast-track development of unique paper-based solutions towards PoC diagnostics, with emphasis on the South African context, where both the need for and impact of these solutions are great.

A feedforward neural network based diagnostic model of oil-impregnated paper insulation of a current transformer has been developed. Its experimental validation as compared with a regression model has been performed.

Paper-based sensors are a new alternative technology for fabricating simple, low-cost, portable and disposable analytical devices for many application areas including clinical diagnosis, food quality control and environmental monitoring. The unique properties of paper which allow passive liquid transport and compatibility with chemicals/biochemicals are the main advantages of using paper as a sensing platform. Depending on the main goal to be achieved in paper-based sensors, the fabrication methods and the analysis techniques can be tuned to fulfill the needs of the end-user. Current paper-based sensors are focused on microfluidic delivery of solution to the detection site whereas more advanced designs involve complex 3-D geometries based on the same microfluidic principles. Although paper-based sensors are very promising, they still suffer from certain limitations such as accuracy and sensitivity. However, it is anticipated that in the future, with advances in fabrication and analytical techniques, that there will be more new and innovative developments in paper-based sensors. These sensors could better meet the current objectives of a viable low-cost and portable device in addition to offering high sensitivity and selectivity, and multiple analyte discrimination. This paper is a review of recent advances in paper-based sensors and covers the following topics: existing fabrication techniques, analytical methods and application areas. Finally, the present challenges and future outlooks are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disinfection of deteriogenic microorganisms and the removal of induced chromatic alterations in artworks are still open challenges in the field of conservation. For this purpose, a new alcoholic hydrogel was tested to remove an extensive fungal attack from a multimaterial collage by the artist Alessandro Kokocinski and to mitigate chromatic changes caused by the contamination of its poster paper and plywood support layers. A Gellan gum-based hydrogel was used, which was modified by adding a high concentration of alcohol (66.7% ethanol), to give the system an effective disinfecting agent in addition to the detergent capacity of the gel for water-sensitive works of art. It was successfully tested on samples mimicking the complex stratigraphy of the artwork under study. To create replica mock-ups, the artwork materials and stratigraphy were investigated through diagnostic and laboratory techniques such as multispectral imaging, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis coupled with gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. The treatment was shown to have a disinfecting effect on the test samples and did not alter their structure, allowing us to apply the method to the artwork. Here, the hydrogel successfully removed and inhibited fungal proliferation in addition to mitigating the color changes caused by fungi.

Staphylococcus argenteus and Staphylococcus schweitzeri, previously known as divergent Staphylococcus aureus clonal lineages, have been recently established as novel, difficult-to-delimit, coagulase-positive species within the S. aureus complex. Methicillin-resistant strains of S. argenteus are known from Australia and the UK. Knowledge of their epidemiology, medical significance and transmission risk is limited and partly contradictory, hampering definitive recommendations. There is mounting evidence that the pathogenicity of S. argenteus is similar to that of 'classical' S. aureus , while as yet no S. schweitzeri infections have been reported. To provide decision support on whether and how to distinguish and report both species. PubMed, searched for S. argenteus and S. schweitzeri. This position paper reviews the main characteristics of both species and draws conclusions for microbiological diagnostics and surveillance as well as infection prevention and control measures. We propose not distinguishing within the S. aureus complex for routine reporting purposes until there is evidence that pathogenicity or clinical outcome differ markedly between the different species. Primarily for research purposes, suitably equipped laboratories are encouraged to differentiate between S. argenteus and S. schweitzeri. Caution is urged if these novel species are explicitly reported. In such cases, a specific comment should be added (i.e. 'member of the S.aureus complex') to prevent confusion with less- or non-pathogenic staphylococci. Prioritizing aspects of patient safety, methicillin-resistant isolates should be handled as recommended for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In these cases, the clinician responsible should be directly contacted and informed by the diagnosing microbiological laboratory, as they would be for MRSA. Research is warranted to clarify the epidemiology, clinical impact and implications for infection control of such isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is the third most deadly foodborne pathogen in the United States. The bacterium is found in soil and water, contaminating raw food products and the processing environment, where it can persist for an extended period. Currently, testing of food contact and non-food contact surfaces is performed using an array of sampling devices and endpoint technologies, offering various levels of sensitivity, cost, user skill, and time to detection. Paper-based microfluidic devices (µPADs) are a rapid detection platform amenable to low-cost, user-friendly, and portable diagnostics. In this study, we developed and evaluated a µPAD platform specific for the colorimetric detection of the Listeria genus following recovery from food contact and non-food contact surfaces. For detection, four colorimetric substrates specific for the detection of β-glucosidase, two broths selective for the detection of Listeria spp., and a nonselective broth were evaluated to facilitate detection of Listeria spp. The limit of detection and time to detection were determined by using pure bacterial cultures. After 8 h enrichment, L. monocytogenes (102 Colony Forming Units (CFU)/coupon) was detected on every surface. After 18 h enrichment, L. monocytogenes (102 CFU/coupon) was detected on all surfaces with all swabbing devices. This study demonstrated the ability of the µPAD-based method to detect potentially stressed cells at low levels of environmental contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates a stand-alone power source that integrates a paper-based hydrogen fuel cell with a customized chemical heater that produces hydrogen in-situ upon the addition of a liquid. The presented approach operates by capillary action and takes advantage of the hydrogen released as a by-product of an exothermic reaction used in point-of-care diagnostics. The paper-based fuel cell produces a maximum power of 25.8 mW (103.2 mW cm −2 ), which is suitable for powering a diversity of electrical devices such as commercially available digital pregnancy tests and glucometers. While device shape and dimensions can be customized, here it is shown that the fuel cell can be designed in a compact form factor and footprint comparable to a lateral flow test while providing a remarkable power output. This approach holds great promise for powering portable diagnostics, as the generated electric power could enable device functionalities required for advanced assays, such as device timing, actuation, and signal quantification. Part of the same liquid sample that is to be analyzed (urine, saliva, water, etc) could be used to trigger the hydrogen generation and start the fuel cell operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This editorial discusses the expanding role of paper as a platform on which to build new point-of-care assays, particularly those intended for use in resource-limited settings. Successful diagnostics for use in these environments require a low-cost platform (possibly paper) as well as new assay strategies, reagents and materials for achieving selectivity and sensitivity. Paper provides a common platform for bringing these components together and serves as a low-cost medium for prototyping new point-of-care assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current centralised healthcare models pose many challenges, particularly for developing countries such as South Africa, where travel and time costs make it difficult for patients to seek healthcare, even when urgently needed. To address this issue, point-of-care (PoC) tests, which are performed at or near the site of clinical care, have gained popularity and are actively being developed. Microfluidic systems, in which small volumes of fluids can be processed, provide an ideal platform on which to develop PoC diagnostic solutions. Specifically, the emerging field of paper-based microfluidics, with advantages such as low-cost, disposability and minimal external equipment requirements, provides unique opportunities for addressing healthcare issues in developing countries. This work explores the field of paper-based microfluidics, with step-by-step instructions on the design, manufacture and testing processes to realise paper-based devices towards diagnostic applications. Paper-based microfluidic and electronic components are presented, as well as the integration of these components to provide smart paper-based devices. This serves as an educational tool, enabling both beginners and experts in the field tofast-track development of unique paper-based solutions towards PoC diagnostics, with emphasis on the South African context, where both the need for and impact of these solutions are great. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the bibliometric data of the most common publication types of the neuroimaging literature. Methods: PubMed was searched to identify all published papers with "neuroimaging" as their MeSH Major Topics, and they were further searched by the following publication types: case report, clinical trial, comparative study, editorial, evaluation study, guideline, meta-analysis, multicenter study, randomized controlled trial, review, technical report, and validation study. The proportion of papers belonging to each publication type published in neuroimaging journals was calculated. Year-adjusted mean citation counts for each publication type were computed using data from Web of Science. Publication trend and its correlation with citation performance were assessed. Results: Review and comparative study were the most common publication types. Publication types with the highest proportion in neuroimaging journals were guideline, validation study, and technical reports. Since the year 2000, multicenter study, review, and meta-analysis showed the strongest linear increase in annual publication count. These publication types also had the highest year-adjusted citation counts (4.7–10.0). Publication types with the lowest year-adjusted citation counts were editorial and case report (0.5–1.0). It was estimated that 12.5% of the publications labeled as case reports were incorrectly labeled. Conclusions: Neuroimaging literature has been expanding with papers of higher levels of evidence, such as meta-analyses, multicenter studies, and randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a lateral flow assay (LFA) for the quantitative, fluorescence-based detection of the cardiac biomarker troponin I (cTnI) that features an analytical strip made of cellulose filter paper. The results show that the wicking and test time are comparable to those obtained with conventional nitrocellulose (NC)-based LFAs. Further, the cellulose paper provides an excellent background with no auto-fluorescence that is very adequate in detecting fluorescent lines. While fluorescence that was generated with cellulose strips was lower when compared to that generated in NC strips, signals could be improved by layering carbon nanofibers (CNF) on the cellulose. A nonlinear behavior of the concentration–response relationship was observed for the LFA architectures with NC, cellulose, and cellulose-CNF in the 0 to 200 ng/mL cTnI concentration range. The measurements were consistent and characterized by coefficients of variation lower than 2.5%. Detection and quantitation limits that were in the range 1.28–1.40 ng/mL and 2.10–2.75 ng/mL were obtained for LFA with cellulose and cellulose CNF strips that are equivalent to the limits obtained with the standard NC LFA. Overall, we showed that commercially available filter paper can be used in the analytical strip of LFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phage‐inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) are a family of phage satellites that hijack phage components to facilitate their mobility and spread. Recently, these genetic constructs are repurposed as antibacterial drones, enabling a new toolbox for unorthodox applications in biotechnology. To illustrate a new suite of functions, the authors have developed a user‐friendly diagnostic system, based upon PICI transduction to selectively enrich bacteria, allowing the detection and sequential recovery of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The system enables high transfer rates and sensitivities in comparison with phages, with detection down to ≈50 CFU mL−1. In contrast to conventional detection strategies, which often rely on nucleic acid molecular assays, and cannot differentiate between dead and live organisms, this approach enables visual sensing of viable pathogens only, through the expression of a reporter gene encoded in the PICI. The approach extends diagnostic sensing mechanisms beyond cell‐free synthetic biology strategies, enabling new synthetic biology/biosensing toolkits.