ATP Sensing Paper with Smartphone Bioluminescence-Based Detection

Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy carrier in all living organisms, and its detection in living cells represents a well-established approach. ATP-driven bioluminescence (BL) relying on the D-luciferin-luciferase reaction is a bioanalytical tool widely employed for monitoring hygiene and microbial contamination of foods.Here, we report a straightforward method for ATP BL detection using an ATP sensing paper fabricated with an alternative freeze-dry procedure. The assay can be easily implemented in laboratories equipped with (i) freeze-drying, wax printing, and 3D printing technologies and (ii) instrumentation for BL detection such as benchtop luminometers and portable light detectors including a smartphone camera without the need for additional equipment.
Elisa Michelini acknowledges support by MIUR and Prima (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) with FEDKITO project. ICN2 is funded by CERCA programme, Generalitat de Catalunya. Grant SEV-2017-0706 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.