Biosensor for the specific detection of a single viable B. anthracis spore

Use of Lateral Flow Assays in Forensics

Already for some decades lateral flow assays (LFAs) are 'common use' devices in our daily life. Also, for forensic use LFAs are developed, such as for the analysis of illicit drugs and DNA, but also for the detection of explosives and body fluid identification. Despite their advantages, including ease-of-use, LFAs are not yet frequently applied at a crime scene. This review describes (academic) developments of LFAs for forensic applications, focusing on biological and chemical applications, whereby the main advantages and disadvantages of LFAs for the different forensic applications are summarized. Additionally, a critical review is provided, discussing why LFAs are not frequently applied within the forensic field and highlighting the steps that are needed to bring LFAs to the forensic market.

Ultrasensitive ratiometric electrochemiluminescence for detecting atxA mRNA using luminol-encapsulated liposome as effectively amplified signal labels

It is an advantageous way to quickly identify the toxicity of Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) by detecting the transcription product of the atxA gene. Herein, a novel ultrasensitive ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor with competitive mechanism and double amplified signal ways was proposed for detecting the atxA mRNA. The K2S2O8 was used as cathodic emitter and silver metal-organic gels (AgMOG) was used as ECL enhancer. The AgMOG could accelerate the electro-catalytic reduction of S2O82- to SO4˙-, which reacted with dissolved oxygen, resulting in strong cathodic ECL. Meanwhile, luminol was encapsulated in liposome as anodic amplified signal labels and the luminol anion radical also reacted with dissolved oxygen to create the anodic ECL emission. We immobilized luminol-encapsulated liposomes on the surface of AgMOG through the hybridization of DNA and mRNA. This would provide a competitive mechanism involving dissolved oxygen between K2S2O8 and luminol. Benefiting from the competitive mechanism and amplified signal ways, this ratiometric biosensor achieved a wide linear relationship range from 10 to 300 fM with a low limit of detection (8.13 fM). Considering the accessible operation, favorable performance, and high universality of this strategy, this work may be used to analyze other mRNAs of bacteria.

Developments in integrating nucleic acid isothermal amplification and detection systems for point-of-care diagnostics

Early disease detection through point-of-care (POC) testing is vital for quickly treating patients and preventing the spread of harmful pathogens. Disease diagnosis is generally accomplished using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to amplify nucleic acids in patient samples, permitting detection even at low target concentrations. However, qPCR requires expensive equipment, trained personnel, and significant time. These resources are not available in POC settings, driving researchers to instead utilize isothermal amplification, conducted at a single temperature, as an alternative. Common isothermal amplification methods include loop-mediated isothermal amplification, recombinase polymerase amplification, rolling circle amplification, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, and helicase-dependent amplification. There has been a growing interest in combining such amplification methods with POC detection methods to enable the development of diagnostic tests that are well suited for resource-limited settings as well as developed countries performing mass screenings. Exciting developments have been made in the integration of these two research areas due to the significant impact that such approaches can have on healthcare. This review will primarily focus on advances made by North American research groups between 2015 and June 2020, and will emphasize integrated approaches that reduce user steps, reliance on expensive equipment, and the system's time-to-result.

Food Sensing: Detection of Bacillus cereus Spores in Dairy Products

Milk is a source of essential nutrients for infants and adults, and its production has increased worldwide over the past years. Despite developments in the dairy industry, premature spoilage of milk due to the contamination by Bacillus cereus continues to be a problem and causes considerable economic losses. B. cereus is ubiquitously present in nature and can contaminate milk through a variety of means from the farm to the processing plant, during transport or distribution. There is a need to detect and quantify spores directly in food samples, because B. cereus might be present in food only in the sporulated form. Traditional microbiological detection methods used in dairy industries to detect spores show limits of time (they are time consuming), efficiency and sensitivity. The low level of B. cereus spores in milk implies that highly sensitive detection methods should be applied for dairy products screening for spore contamination. This review describes the advantages and disadvantages of classical microbiological methods used to detect B. cereus spores in milk and milk products, related to novel methods based on molecular biology, biosensors and nanotechnology.

Rapid Detection Strategies for the Global Threat of Zika Virus: Current State, New Hypotheses, and Limitations

The current scenario regarding the widespread Zika virus (ZIKV) has resulted in numerous diagnostic studies, specifically in South America and in locations where there is frequent entry of travelers returning from ZIKV-affected areas, including pregnant women with or without clinical symptoms of ZIKV infection. The World Health Organization, WHO, announced that millions of cases of ZIKV are likely to occur in the USA in the near future. This situation has created an alarming public health emergency of international concern requiring the detection of this life-threatening viral candidate due to increased cases of newborn microcephaly associated with ZIKV infection. Hence, this review reports possible methods and strategies for the fast and reliable detection of ZIKV with particular emphasis on current updates, knowledge, and new hypotheses that might be helpful for medical professionals in poor and developing countries that urgently need to address this problem. In particular, we emphasize liposome-based biosensors. Although these biosensors are currently among the less popular tools for human disease detection, they have become useful tools for the screening and detection of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses because of their versatile advantageous features compared to other sensing devices. This review summarizes the currently available methods employed for the rapid detection of ZIKV and suggests an innovative approach involving the application of a liposome-based hypothesis for the development of new strategies for ZIKV detection and their use as effective biomedicinal tools.

M-DNA/Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Hybrid Structure-based Bio-FET sensor with Ultra-high Sensitivity

Here, we report a high performance biosensor based on (i) a Cu²⁺-DNA/MoS₂ hybrid structure and (ii) a field effect transistor, which we refer to as a bio-FET, presenting a high sensitivity of 1.7 × 10³ A/A. This high sensitivity was achieved by using a DNA nanostructure with copper ions (Cu²⁺) that induced a positive polarity in the DNA (receptor). This strategy improved the detecting ability for doxorubicin-like molecules (target) that have a negative polarity. Very short distance between the biomolecules and the sensor surface was obtained without using a dielectric layer, contributing to the high sensitivity. We first investigated the effect of doxorubicin on DNA/MoS₂ and Cu²⁺-DNA/MoS₂ nanostructures using Raman spectroscopy and Kelvin force probe microscopy. Then, we analyzed the sensing mechanism and performance in DNA/MoS₂- and Cu²⁺-DNA/MoS₂-based bio-FETs by electrical measurements (I_D-V_G at various V_D) for various concentrations of doxorubicin. Finally, successful operation of the Cu²⁺-DNA/MoS₂ bio-FET was demonstrated for six cycles (each cycle consisted of four steps: 2 preparation steps, a sensing step, and an erasing step) with different doxorubicin concentrations. The bio-FET showed excellent reusability, which has not been achieved previously in 2D biosensors.

Membrane adhesion and the formation of heterogeneities: biology, biophysics, and biotechnology

Membrane adhesion is essential to many vital biological processes. Sites of membrane adhesion are often associated with heterogeneities in the lipid and protein composition of the membrane. These heterogeneities are thought to play functional roles by facilitating interactions between proteins. However, the causal links between membrane adhesion and membrane heterogeneities are not known. Here we survey the state of the field and indicate what we think are understudied areas ripe for development.

A Review of Membrane-Based Biosensors for Pathogen Detection

Biosensors are of increasing interest for the detection of bacterial pathogens in many applications such as human, animal and plant health, as well as food and water safety. Membranes and membrane-like structures have been integral part of several pathogen detection platforms. Such structures may serve as simple mechanical support, function as a part of the transduction mechanism, may be used to filter out or concentrate pathogens, and may be engineered to specifically house active proteins. This review focuses on membrane materials, their associated biosensing applications, chemical linking procedures, and transduction mechanisms. The sensitivity of membrane biosensors is discussed, and the state of the field is evaluated and summarized.

Development of biosensors for the detection of biological warfare agents: its issues and challenges

This review discusses current development in biosensors for the detection of biological warfare agents (BWAs). BWAs include bacteria, virus and toxins that are added deliberately into air water and food to spread terrorism and cause disease or death. The rapid and unambiguous detection and identification of BWAs with early warning signals for detecting possible biological attack is a major challenge for government agencies particularly military and health. The detection devices--biosensors--can be classified (according to their physicochemical transducers) into four types: electrochemical, nucleic acid, optical and piezoelectric. Advantages and limitations of biosensors are discussed in this review followed by an assessment of the current state of development of different types of biosensors. The research and development in biosensors for biological warfare agent detection is of great interest for the public as well as for governments.

Fast and sensitive detection of Bacillus anthracis spores by immunoassay

Bacillus anthracis is one of the most dangerous potential biological weapons, and it is essential to develop a rapid and simple method to detect B. anthracis spores in environmental samples. The immunoassay is a rapid and easy-to-use method for the detection of B. anthracis by means of antibodies directed against surface spore antigens. With this objective in view, we have produced a panel of monoclonal antibodies against B. anthracis and developed colorimetric and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassays. Using Meso Scale Discovery ECL technology, which is based on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection utilizing a sulfo-Tag label that emits light upon electrochemical stimulation (using a dedicated ECL plate reader, an electrical current is placed across the microplate with electrodes integrated into the bottom of the plate, resulting in a series of electrically induced reactions leading to a luminescent signal), a detection limit ranging between 0.3 × 10(3) and 10(3) CFU/ml (i.e., 30 to 100 spores per test), depending on the B. anthracis strain assayed, was achieved. In complex matrices (5 mg/ml of soil or simulated powder), the detection level (without any sample purification or concentration) was never altered more than 3-fold compared with the results obtained in phosphate-buffered saline.

Feasibility of methods based on nucleic acid amplification techniques to fulfil the requirements for microbiological analysis of water quality

Molecular methods based on nucleic acid recognition and amplification are valuable tools to complement and support water management decisions. At present, these decisions are mostly supported by the principle of end-point monitoring for indicators and a small number of selected measured by traditional methods. Nucleic acid methods show enormous potential for identifying isolates from conventional culture methods, providing data on cultivable and noncultivable micro-organisms, informing on the presence of pathogens in waters, determining the causes of waterborne outbreaks, and, in some cases, detecting emerging pathogens. However, some features of water microbiology affect the performance of nucleic acid-based molecular techniques and thus challenge their suitability for routine water quality control. These features include the variable composition of target water samples, the generally low numbers of target micro-organisms, the variable water quality required for different uses and the physiological status or condition of such micro-organisms. The standardization of these molecular techniques is also an important challenge for its routine use in terms of accuracy (trueness and precision) and robustness (reproducibility and reliability during normal usage). Most of national and international water regulations recommend the application of standard methods, and any new technique must be validated respect to established methods and procedures. Moreover, molecular methods show a high cost-effectiveness value that limits its practicability on some microbial water analyses. However, new molecular techniques could contribute with new information or at least to supplement the limitation of traditional culture-based methods. Undoubtedly, challenges for these nucleic acid-based methods need to be identified and solved to improve their feasibility for routine microbial water monitoring.

Screening lectin-binding specificity of bacterium by lectin microarray with gold nanoparticle probes

To develop a novel high-throughput tool for monitoring specific affinity of microbes with lectins, a kind of lectin microarray has been fabricated by immobilizing lectins on epoxide-derivatized glass slides and used to capture microbes. The capturing events are marked by attachment of lectin-conjugated gold nanoparticles followed by silver deposition to enhance the resonance light scattering (RLS) of the particles. The interactions of 16 lectins with four bacteria and one fungus were profiled by this approach. We demonstrated that the gold-nanoparticle-labeled array was suitable for identifying the binding affinity of lectin with bacterium, as well as determining the bacterium with high sensitivity. More importantly, we found that the growth of microbial strains in different culture media resulted in significant changes in their binding affinities with lectins, which might be important to the pathogenesis of the organisms.

Activation of nanoparticles by biosorption for E. coli detection in milk and apple juice

Two types of silver nanoparticles were activated by specific sorption of biomolecules for the detection of Escherichia coli. The capture of this bacterium was performed using polyclonal antibodies (anti-E. coli) biosorbed onto nanospheres or nanorice through a protein-A layer. The bacterial detection was achieved using surface enhancement Raman scattering in order to compare the performance of these two nanoparticles. The activated silver nanospheres showed a better performance mainly due to the dimension of these nanoparticles. The detection limit has been established using the automated Raman mapping system. The technique was capable of detecting 10(3) cells/mL in milk and apple juice without any pre-enrichment. With an overall assay time less than 1 h, the process could be easily adapted to detect other pathogens by selecting the pertinent antibody. Furthermore, PCR was used for the DNA verification to assess whether the selected bacterial strain was identical before and after detection.

Implications of limits of detection of various methods for Bacillus anthracis in computing risks to human health

Used for decades for biological warfare, Bacillus anthracis (category A agent) has proven to be highly stable and lethal. Quantitative risk assessment modeling requires descriptive statistics of the limit of detection to assist in defining the exposure. Furthermore, the sensitivities of various detection methods in environmental matrices are vital information for first responders. A literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles related to methods for detection of B. anthracis was undertaken. Articles focused on the development or evaluation of various detection approaches, such as PCR, real-time PCR, immunoassay, etc. Real-time PCR and PCR were the most sensitive methods for the detection of B. anthracis, with median instrument limits of detection of 430 and 440 cells/ml, respectively. There were very few peer-reviewed articles on the detection methods for B. anthracis in the environment. The most sensitive limits of detection for the environmental samples were 0.1 CFU/g for soil using PCR-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 17 CFU/liter for air using an ELISA-biochip system, 1 CFU/liter for water using cultivation, and 1 CFU/cm(2) for stainless steel fomites using cultivation. An exponential dose-response model for the inhalation of B. anthracis estimates of risk at concentrations equal to the environmental limit of detection determined the probability of death if untreated to be as high as 0.520. Though more data on the environmental limit of detection would improve the assumptions made for the risk assessment, this study's quantification of the risk posed by current limitations in the knowledge of detection methods should be considered when employing those methods in environmental monitoring and cleanup strategies.

Nanoscale labels: nanoparticles and liposomes in the development of high-performance biosensors

Technology for the detection of biological species has generated considerable interest in a variety of fields including healthcare, defense, food and environmental monitoring. In a biosensor, labeled specific binding partners are used to emit a detectable signal. Owing to their unique properties, nanomaterials have been proposed as a novel label category and have led to the development of new assays and new transduction mechanisms. In this article, the role of three major types of nanoscale labels (metallic, semiconductor and liposome nanoparticles) in the development of a new generation of optical, electrochemical or gravimetric biosensors will be presented. The underlying transduction principles will be briefly explained and assay strategies relying on the use of these ‘nanolabels’ will be described. The contribution to increased assay performance and sensitivity will be highlighted. Approaches towards simple, cost efficient and sensitive assays are essential to meet the demands of a growing number of applications.

Microbial burden and diversity of commercial airline cabin air during short and long durations of travel

Total microbial burden and diversity associated with commercial airliner cabin air was assessed by molecular methods in 125 air samples from the business-class sections of 16 domestic and international flights. Viable microbial burden within these cabin air parcels constituted only 1–10% of the total microbial population and ranged from below detection limits to 1.2 × 10⁴ cells m^–3 as determined with a validated ATP-based technology. Cultivable bacterial diversity was almost entirely limited to Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Bacillus. In contrast, cloning and sequencing 16S rRNA gene directly from the samples without cultivation indicated a significantly broader diversity, as sequences representing more than 100 species, and encompassing 12 classes of bacteria, were retrieved in varying abundance. Sequences of proteobacterial and Gram-positive lineage were retrieved most frequently (58% and 31% of all clone sequences, respectively), with Gram-positive and α-proteobacterial sequences dominating international flight samples and β- and γ-proteobacterial sequences comprising the largest portion of those retrieved from domestic flights. Significant differences in bacterial load and diversity were noted between samples obtained on domestic and international flights. The disparities observed in microbial abundance and diversity further underscore the immense value of state-of-the art molecular assays in augmenting traditional culture-based techniques.

GM1-functionalized liposomes in a microtiter plate assay for cholera toxin in Vibrio cholerae culture samples

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent for cholera, infects its host by expressing a protein consisting of two subunits: the pentameric cholera toxin B (CTB) and cholera toxin A (CTA). CTB frequently is used as an indicator of the presence of pathogenic V. cholerae and typically is detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). In lieu of an enzyme-linked detection method, we have developed GM(1) ganglioside-functionalized fluorescent dye-encapsulating liposomes for the detection of CTB produced by V. cholerae in a simple microtiter plate assay. Liposomes were compared with fluorescein-labeled antibodies and enzyme-linked secondary antibodies for quantification of purified CTB. A limit of detection for CTB using the liposomes was 340pg/ml, which was comparable to that using the ELISA but 18 times lower than that using the fluorescein-labeled anti-CTB antibodies for the same purpose. The sensitivity of the assay provided by the liposomes was substantial, and the working range improved when compared with that of the fluorescein-labeled antibodies and the ELISA. In addition, the liposomes required shorter assay times, exhibited greater precision, and were less expensive compared with the ELISA. The liposomes were optimized with respect to phospholipid and ganglioside concentrations. The optimized liposomes were then used to probe culture supernatants from V. cholerae El Tor C6706 grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and AKI medium for the presence of CTB.

Lateral flow microarrays: a novel platform for rapid nucleic acid detection based on miniaturized lateral flow chromatography

Widely used nucleic acid assays are poorly suited for field deployment where access to laboratory instrumentation is limited or unavailable. The need for field deployable nucleic acid detection demands inexpensive, facile systems without sacrificing information capacity or sensitivity. Here we describe a novel microarray platform capable of rapid, sensitive nucleic acid detection without specialized instrumentation. The approach is based on a miniaturized lateral flow device that makes use of hybridization-mediated target capture. The miniaturization of lateral flow nucleic acid detection provides multiple advantages over traditional lateral flow devices. Ten-microliter sample volumes reduce reagent consumption and yield analyte detection times, excluding sample preparation and amplification, of <120 s while providing sub-femtomole sensitivity. Moreover, the use of microarray technology increases the potential information capacity of lateral flow. Coupled with a hybridization-based detection scheme, the lateral flow microarray (LFM) enables sequence-specific detection, opening the door to highly multiplexed implementations for broad-range assays well suited for point-of-care and other field applications. The LFM system is demonstrated using an isothermal amplification strategy for detection of Bacillus anthracis, the etiologic agent of anthrax. RNA from as few as two B. anthracis cells was detected without thermocycling hardware or fluorescence detection systems.

Electrical detection of germination of viable model Bacillus anthracis spores in microfluidic biochips

In this paper, we present a new impedance-based method to detect viable spores by electrically detecting their germination in real time within microfluidic biochips. We used Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores as the model organism. During germination, the spores release polar and ionic chemicals, such as dipicolinic acid (DPA), calcium ions, phosphate ions, and amino acids, which correspondingly increase the electrical conductivity of the medium in which the spores are suspended. We first present macro-scale measurements demonstrating that the germination of spores can be electrically detected at a concentration of 10(9) spores ml(-1) in sample volumes of 5 ml, by monitoring changes in the solution conductivity. Germination was induced by introducing an optimized germinant solution consisting of 10 mM L-alanine and 2 mM inosine. We then translated these results to a micro-fluidic biochip, which was a three-layer device: one layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with valves, a second layer of PDMS with micro-fluidic channels and chambers, and the third layer with metal electrodes deposited on a pyrex substrate. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) was used to trap and concentrate the spores at the electrodes with greater than 90% efficiency, at a solution flow rate of 0.2 microl min(-1) with concentration factors between 107-109 spores ml(-1), from sample volumes of 1-5 microl. The spores were captured by DEP in deionized water within 1 min (total volume used ranged from 0.02 microl to 0.2 microl), and then germinant solution was introduced to the flow stream. The detection sensitivity was demonstrated to be as low as about a hundred spores in 0.1 nl, which is equivalent to a macroscale detection limit of approximately 10(9) spores ml(-1). We believe that this is the first demonstration of this application in microfluidic and BioMEMS devices.

DNA-oligonucleotide encapsulating liposomes as a secondary signal amplification means

A novel liposome-based signal amplification system was developed by encapsulating DNA oligonucleotides within antibody-tagged liposomes and subsequently detecting the oligonucleotide with dye-encapsulating liposomes for double signal enhancement. In this sandwich immunoassay, the model analyte, protective antigen protein from B. anthracis, was captured by one set of antibodies immobilized in microtiter plate wells and detected using a second antibody conjugated to oligonucleotide-encapsulating liposomes. Bound liposomes were lysed releasing the encapsulated fluorescein-tagged DNA 25-mer probe, which was then permitted to hybridize with its complementary sequence immobilized in a second plate. Finally, the amount of oligonucleotide was detected through the addition of anti-fluorescein antibody tagged dye-encapsulating liposomes. These secondary liposomes allowed for a approximately 400x lower LOD than detection of the fluorescein-labeled probe alone. Several aspects were investigated, including the encapsulation of various oligonucleotide concentrations within liposomes; oligonucleotide hybridization times and buffers; degree of anti-fluorescein antibody coverage on the liposomes; and immobilized anti-protective antigen antibody concentration. We found that the encapsulation efficiency increased with the starting oligonucleotide concentration. As many as 4000 DNA 25-mers were successfully entrapped in the liposome, and minimal leakage was observed over the course of 8 months. When used in the sandwich immunoassay, a limit of detection of 4.1 ng/mL protective antigen was observed with an upper limit of 5000 ng/mL. Due to the endless combination of DNA oligonucleotide sequences, this assay lends itself perfectly for multiplexing on the order of tens to hundreds of analytes.

Optimization of DNA-tagged liposomes for use in microtiter plate analyses

Dye-encapsulating unilamellar DNA oligonucleotide-tagged liposomes were prepared and characterized for use as signal-enhancing reagents in a microtiter plate sandwich-hybridization analyses of single-stranded RNA or DNA sequences. The liposomes were synthesized using the reversed-phase evaporation method and tagged with DNA oligonucleotides by adding cholesteryl-modified DNA reporter probes to the initial lipid mixture. Liposomes were prepared using probe coverages of 0.0013-0.103 mol% of the total lipid input, several hydrophobic and poly(ethylene glycol)-based spacers between the cholesteryl anchor and the probe, and liposome diameters ranging from 200 nm to 335 nm. Their signal enhancement functionality was compared by using them in microtiter plate sandwich-hybridization assays for the detection of single-stranded DNA sequences. In these assays, an optimal reporter probe concentration of 0.103 mol%, a liposome diameter of 274 nm, and a phospholipid concentration of 0.3 mM were found. The length between the cholesteryl anchor and the probe was optimal when a spacer composed of TEG+(CH2O)3 was used. Under optimal conditions, a detection limit of 0.5 nM for a truncated synthetic DNA sequence was found with a coefficient of variation of 4.4%. A 500-fold lower limit of detection using fluorescence was found using lysed dye-encapsulating liposomes versus a single fluorescein-labeled probe. Finally, when this method was applied to the detection of atxA RNA extracted from E.coli SG12036-pIu121 and amplified using NASBA, a minimum extracted concentration of RNA of 1.1x10(-7) microg/microL was found.

Optimization of DNA-tagged dye-encapsulating liposomes for lateral-flow assays based on sandwich hybridization

A novel protocol for the synthesis of dye-encapsulating liposomes tagged with DNA oligonucleotides at their outer surface was developed. These liposomes were optimized for use as signal enhancement agents in lateral-flow sandwich-hybridization assays for the detection of single-stranded RNA and DNA sequences. Liposomes were synthesized using the reverse-phase evaporation method and tagged with oligonucleotides by adding cholesteryl-modified DNA probes to the initial lipid mixture. This resulted in a greatly simplified protocol that provided excellent control of the probe coverage on the liposomes and cut the preparation time from 16 hours to just 6 hours. Liposomes were prepared using probe concentrations ranging from 0.00077 to 0.152 mol% of the total lipid, several hydrophobic and polyethylene glycol-based spacers between the cholesteryl anchor and the probe, and liposome diameters ranging from 208 nm to 365 nm. The liposomes were characterized by dynamic light scattering, visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Their signal enhancement functionality was compared by using them in lateral-flow optical biosensors for the detection of single-stranded DNA sequences. In these assays, an optimal reporter probe concentration of 0.013 mol%, liposome diameter of 315 nm, and liposome optical density of 0.4-0.6 at 532 nm were found. The spacer length between the cholesteryl anchor and the probe showed no significant effect on the signals in the lateral-flow assays. The results presented here provide important data for the general use of liposomes as labels in analytical assays, with specific emphasis on nucleic acid detection via lateral flow assays.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and complex formation between thiazole orange and various dye-DNA conjugates: implications in signaling nucleic acid hybridization

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was investigated between the intercalating dye thiazole orange (TO), and the dyes Cyanine 3 (Cy3), Cyanine 5 (Cy5), Carboxytetramethyl Rhodamine (TAMRA), Iowa Black FQ (IabFQ), and Iowa Black RQ (IabRQ), which were covalently immobilized at the end of dsDNA oligonucleotides. In addition to determining that TO was an effective energy donor, FRET efficiency data obtained from fluorescence lifetime measurements indicated that TO intercalated near the middle of the 19mer oligonucleotide sequence that was used in this study. Discrepancies in FRET efficiencies obtained from intensity and lifetime measurements led to the investigation of non-fluorescent complex formation between TAMRA and modified TO. The hydrophobicity of TO was modified by the addition of either an alkyl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) side-chain to study effects of dimer and aggregate formation. It was found that at stoichiometric excesses of modified TO, fluorescence quenching of TAMRA was observed, and that this could be correlated to the hydrophobicity of a TO-chain species. The TAMRA:TO-chain association constant for the TO-alkyl system was 0.043+/-0.002 M(-1), while that obtained for the TO-PEG was 0.037+/-0.002 M(-1). From the perspective of method development for the transduction of hybridization events, we present and evaluate a variety of schemes based on energy transfer between TO and an acceptor dye, and discuss the implications of complex formation in such schemes.

Recent developments in bio-molecular electronics techniques for food pathogens

Food borne illnesses contribute to the majority of infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Detection of these pathogens originating from different sources has led to increased interest of researchers. New bio-molecular techniques for food pathogen detection are being developed to improve the sensor characteristics such as sensitivity, reusability, simplicity and economic viability. Present article deals with the various methods of food pathogen detection with special emphasis on bio-molecular electronics techniques such as biosensors, microarrays, electronic nose, and nano-materials based methods.

Developing nucleic acid-based electrical detection systems

Development of nucleic acid-based detection systems is the main focus of many research groups and high technology companies. The enormous work done in this field is particularly due to the broad versatility and variety of these sensing devices. From optical to electrical systems, from label-dependent to label-free approaches, from single to multi-analyte and array formats, this wide range of possibilities makes the research field very diversified and competitive. New challenges and requirements for an ideal detector suitable for nucleic acid analysis include high sensitivity and high specificity protocol that can be completed in a relatively short time offering at the same time low detection limit. Moreover, systems that can be miniaturized and automated present a significant advantage over conventional technology, especially if detection is needed in the field. Electrical system technology for nucleic acid-based detection is an enabling mode for making miniaturized to micro- and nanometer scale bio-monitoring devices via the fusion of modern micro- and nanofabrication technology and molecular biotechnology. The electrical biosensors that rely on the conversion of the Watson-Crick base-pair recognition event into a useful electrical signal are advancing rapidly, and recently are receiving much attention as a valuable tool for microbial pathogen detection. Pathogens may pose a serious threat to humans, animal and plants, thus their detection and analysis is a significant element of public health. Although different conventional methods for detection of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins exist and are currently being applied, improvements of molecular-based detection methodologies have changed these traditional detection techniques and introduced a new era of rapid, miniaturized and automated electrical chip detection technologies into pathogen identification sector. In this review some developments and current directions in nucleic acid-based electrical detection are discussed.

Survival of spacecraft-associated microorganisms under simulated martian UV irradiation

Spore-forming microbes recovered from spacecraft surfaces and assembly facilities were exposed to simulated Martian UV irradiation. The effects of UVA (315 to 400 nm), UVA+B (280 to 400 nm), and the full UV spectrum (200 to 400 nm) on the survival of microorganisms were studied at UV intensities expected to strike the surfaces of Mars. Microbial species isolated from the surfaces of several spacecraft, including Mars Odyssey, X-2000 (avionics), and the International Space Station, and their assembly facilities were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Forty-three Bacillus spore lines were screened, and 19 isolates showed resistance to UVC irradiation (200 to 280 nm) after exposure to 1,000 J m(-2) of UVC irradiation at 254 nm using a low-pressure mercury lamp. Spores of Bacillus species isolated from spacecraft-associated surfaces were more resistant than a standard dosimetric strain, Bacillus subtilis 168. In addition, the exposure time required for UVA+B irradiation to reduce the viable spore numbers by 90% was 35-fold longer than the exposure time required for the full UV spectrum to do this, confirming that UVC is the primary biocidal bandwidth. Among the Bacillus species tested, spores of a Bacillus pumilus strain showed the greatest resistance to all three UV bandwidths, as well as the total spectrum. The resistance to simulated Mars UV irradiation was strain specific; B. pumilus SAFR-032 exhibited greater resistance than all other strains tested. The isolation of organisms like B. pumilus SAFR-032 and the greater survival of this organism (sixfold) than of the standard dosimetric strains should be considered when the sanitation capabilities of UV irradiation are determined.

Sequential Injection Analysis System for the Sandwich Hybridization-Based Detection of Nucleic Acids

A sequential injection analysis lab-on-valve (SIA-LOV) system was developed for the specific detection of single-stranded nucleic acid sequences via sandwich hybridization of specific DNA probes to the target sequence. One DNA probe was tagged with fluorescein; the other was biotinylated and immobilized to streptavidin-coated porous beads. The system was optimized with respect to buffer composition, length of hybridization and wash steps, and volumes and concentrations of components used. On-bead oligonucleotide hybridization was studied using UV detection at 260 nm, while a final dose response curve was quantified using fluorescence detection. A dynamic range of 1-1000 pmol was obtained for a synthetic DNA sequence that was homologous to a segment in the B. anthracis atxA mRNA. A within-day variation of 7.2% and a day-to-day variation of 9.9% was observed. Each analysis was completed within 20 min. Subsequently, the system was applied to the detection of atxA mRNA expressed in a surrogate organism and amplified using NASBA. The SIA-LOV will find its application in routine laboratory-based analysis of specific single-stranded DNA/RNA sequences. Future improvements will include the integration of dye-encapsulating liposomes for signal enhancement used in lieu of the single fluorophore-labeled probe in order to lower the limit of detection.

A microsystem compatible strategy for viable Escherichia coli detection

This study delineates a microsystem compatible strategy that enables the rapid determination of Escherichia coli viability for the application in food and water monitoring. This approach differentiates the living cells from the dead ones by detecting the presence of a "viability indicator", i.e. mRNAs of a common E. coli GroEL heat shock protein (hsp). Our method starts with a stimulated and controlled transcription of hsp mRNA under an elevated temperature (47 degrees C) for 20min. Following that, the short-life mRNA is rapidly extracted using streptavidin-modified magnetic particles containing biotin-labeled DNA probes complementary to a specific region of the mRNA. The quantification of mRNA by gel electrophoresis and Ag/Au-based electrochemical detection is done after the amplification of mRNAs by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Heat shock temperatures and durations that have profound effect to the mRNA transcription were studied and it was found that the mRNA undergoes a rapid minute-by-minute self-degradation after the environment resumes room temperature. Issues such as the DNA contamination that interfere the magnetic particle-based mRNA extraction technique were tackled. A sensitive Ag/Au-based electrochemical analysis method was used to detect the RT-PCR products and a cell concentration as low as 10(2)cfu/ml can be achieved by the electrochemical method, but not by the conventional gel electrophoresis. The strategy demonstrated in this study can be readily implemented in a microsystem and is a step forward for the realization of an integrated bioanalytical microsystem (lab on a chip) for the viable cell detection.

Microfluidic Biosensor for the Serotype-Specific Detection of Dengue Virus RNA

The development of a microfluidic biosensor with fluorescence detection for the rapid, sensitive, and serotype-specific detection of Dengue virus is presented. The biosensor chip consists of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrate with fabricated microchannels and a glass substrate used to seal the microchannels. These two substrates are packaged within a pressure-closed Plexiglas housing to provide a watertight reversible sealing at the PDMS-glass interface. The ability to reversibly seal the device permits easy disassembly and quick interchange of the device parts, which is ideal for developmental purposes. The biosensor employs a magnetic bead-based sandwich hybridization system in conjugation with liposome amplification for the specific detection of nucleic acids. The concentrations of the various biosensor components were optimized using a synthesized fragment of Dengue virus RNA. To evaluate the sensitivity of the assay, two detection systems, based on fluorescence measurements of intact and lysed liposomes, were analyzed. The entire analysis was complete within 20 min (including incubation time) with RNA detection limits of 0.125 nM and 50 pM for intact and lysed liposome detection systems, respectively. Subsequently, the biosensor was applied to the analysis of actual RNA obtained from Dengue virus serotypes 1-4. The resulting signals were compared to those obtained using standard electrochemiluminescence detection and shown to correspond perfectly with respect to serotype identification.

Bacillus anthracis: toxicology, epidemiology and current rapid-detection methods

B. anthracis, the causative agent for anthrax, has been well studied for over 150 years. Due to the genetic similarities among various Bacillus species, as well as its existence in both a spore form and a vegetative state, the detection and specific identification of B. anthracis have been proven to require complex techniques and/or laborious methods. With the heightened interest in the organism as a potential biological threat agent, a large number of interesting detection technologies have recently been developed, including methods involving immunological and nucleic acid-based assay formats. The technologies range from culture-based methods to portable Total Analysis Systems based on real-time PCR. This review with 170 references provides a brief background on the toxicology and epidemiology of B. anthracis, discusses challenges associated with its detection related to genetic similarities to other species, and reviews immunological and, with greater emphasis, nucleic acid-based detection systems.

Biocidal activity of a light-absorbing fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolyte

Herein we describe studies that indicate a cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte shows biocidal activity against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, E. coli, BL21, with plasmids for Azurin and ampicillin resistance) and gram-positive bacterial spores (Bacillus anthracis, Sterne, B. anthracis, Sterne). These studies were carried out with aqueous suspensions of the conjugated polyelectrolyte, with the polyelectrolyte in supported formats and with samples in which the conjugated polyelectrolyte was coated on the bacteria. The results are interesting in that the biocidal activity is light-induced and appears effective due to the ability of the conjugated polyelectrolyte to form a surface coating on both types of bacteria. The effects observed here should be general and suggest that a range of conjugated polyelectrolytes in different formulations may provide a useful new class of biocides for both dark and light-activated applications.

Development of a microfluidic biosensor module for pathogen detection

The development of a microfluidic biosensor module with fluorescence detection for the identification of pathogenic organisms and viruses is presented in this article. The microfluidic biosensor consists of a network of microchannels fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The microchannels are sealed with a glass substrate and packed in a Plexiglas housing to provide connection to the macro-world and ensure leakage-free flow operation. Reversible sealing permits easy disassembly for cleaning and replacing the microfluidic channels. The fluidic flow is generated by an applied positive pressure gradient, and the module can be operated under continuous solution flow of up to 80 microL min(-1). The biosensor recognition principle is based on DNA/RNA hybridization and liposome signal amplification. Superparamagnetic beads are incorporated into the system as a mobile solid support and are an essential part of the analysis scheme. In this study, the design, fabrication and the optimization of concentrations and amounts of the different biosensor components are carried out. The total time required for an assay is only 15 min including sample incubation time. The biosensor module is designed so that it can be easily integrated with a micro total analysis system, which will combine sample preparation and detection steps onto a single chip.

Electrochemical detection of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium ostenfeldii with a DNA-biosensor

The steady rise of observations of harmful or toxic algal blooms throughout the world in the past decades constitute a menace for coastal ecosystems and human interests. As a consequence, a number of programs have been launched to monitor the occurrence of harmful and toxic algae. However, the identification is currently done by microscopic examination, which requires a broad taxonomic knowledge, expensive equipment and is very time consuming. In order to facilitate the identification of toxic algae, an inexpensive and easy-to-handle DNA-biosensor has been adapted for the electrochemical detection of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium ostenfeldii. The detection of the toxic algae is based on a sandwich hybridisation, which is carried out on a disposable sensor chip. A set of two probes for the species-specific identification of A. ostenfeldii was developed. The specificity of the probes could be shown in dot-blot hybridisations and with the DNA-biosensor. The sensitivity of the DNA-biosensor was optimised with respect to hybridisation temperature and NaCl-concentration and a significant increase of the sensitivity of the DNA-biosensor could be obtained by a fragmentation of the rRNA prior to the hybridisation and by adding a helper oligonucleotide, which binds in close proximity to the probes to the hybridisation.

Multiplex diagnostic platforms for detection of biothreat agents

The availability of rapid, sensitive and cost-effective diagnostic methods is paramount to the success of a comprehensive national health security system in the USA. The national networks that were established to safeguard US infrastructures (e.g., public health, livestock, agriculture and water supply) have developed sufficient capability and capacity for monitoring. However, additional advanced methods will be required to maintain operational readiness. Currently available methods, although sensitive and specific, are generally costly and not amenable to high-throughput analyses. Critical to the success of biothreat surveillance is the ability to screen for and detect multiple agents rapidly in a single reaction and with minimal sample processing. This review will examine currently available diagnostic platforms (i.e., PCR-, immuno- and array-based) and biosensors that can detect multiple biothreat analytes in a single reaction (i.e., multiplex assays). The maturity, benefits and limitations of each platform will be described and a prospective view, from current to future state of the art, will be proposed.

Glycoconjugates for the recognition of Bacillus spores

Carbohydrates act as ligands in many biological processes, including the folding and secretion of proteins, cell-cell recognition, adhesion, and sporulation in the Bacillus genus. Fluorescent-labeled disaccharide glycoconjugates have been applied to evaluate binding to bacterial spores assuming that the spore surface is covered with carbohydrates. This study has shown that specific recognition of bacterial spores is based on interactions between disaccharide glycoconjugates acting as ligands and monosaccharide units expressed on the exterior of bacterial spores. Using fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE), carbohydrates that are expressed on the exterior of the spores were enumerated. The findings have an impact on how to improve ligand selection, essential for sensor development. In addition, the findings provide new information for inhibition of bacterial spores, and in general, demonstrate how carbohydrates function as recognition signals in nature.

A Universal Nucleic Acid Sequence Biosensor with Nanomolar Detection Limits

A quantitative universal biosensor was developed on the basis of olignucleotide sandwich hybridization for the rapid (30 min total assay time) and highly sensitive (1 nM) detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. The biosensor consists of a universal membrane and a universal dye-entrapping liposomal nanovesicle. Two oligonucleotides, a reporter and a capture probe that can hybridize specifically with the target nucleic acid sequence, can be coupled to the universal biosensor components within a 10-min incubation period, thus converting it into a specific assay. The liposomal nanovesicles bear a generic oligonucleotide sequence on their outer surface. The reporter probes consist of two parts: the 3' end is complementary to the generic liposomal oligonucleotide, and the 5' end is complementary to the target sequence. Streptavidin is immobilized in the detection zone of the universal membranes. The capture probes are biotinylated at the 5' end and are complementary to another segment in the target sequence. Thus, by incubating the liposomal nanovesicles with the reporter probes, the target sequence, and the capture probes in a hybridization buffer for 20 min, a sandwich complex is formed. The mixture is applied to the membrane, migrates along the strip, and is captured in the detection zone via streptavidin-biotin binding. The biosensor assay was optimized with respect to hybridization conditions, concentrations of all components, and length of the generic probe. It was tested using synthetic DNA sequences and authentic RNA sequences isolated and amplified using nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) from Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Dose-response curves were carried out using a portable reflectometer for the instantaneous quantification of liposomal nanovesicles in the detection zone. Limits of detection of 1 fmol per assay (1 nM) and dynamic ranges between 1 fmol and at least 750 fmol (1-750 nM) were obtained. The universal biosensors were compared to specific RNA biosensors developed earlier and were found to match or exceed their performance characteristics. In addition, no changes to hybridization conditions were required when switching to the detection of a new target sequence or when using actual nucleic acid sequence-based amplified RNA sequences. Therefore, the universal biosensor described is an excellent tool for use in laboratories or at test sites for rapidly investigating and quantifying any nucleic acid sequence of interest.