1
|
Screpis GA, Aleo A, Privitera N, Capuano GE, Farina R, Corso D, Libertino S, Coniglio MA. Biosensing Technologies for Detecting Legionella in Environmental Samples: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1855. [PMID: 39338529 PMCID: PMC11434302 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12091855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The detection of Legionella in environmental samples, such as water, is crucial for public health monitoring and outbreak prevention. Although effective, traditional detection methods, including culture-based techniques and polymerase chain reaction, have limitations such as long processing times, trained operators, and the need for specialized laboratory equipment. Biosensing technologies offer a promising alternative due to their rapid, sensitive, cost-effectiveness, and on-site detection capabilities. To summarize the current advancements in biosensor development for detecting Legionella in environmental samples, we used 'Legionella' AND 'biosensors' NEAR 'environmental samples' OR 'water' as keywords searching through the most relevant biomedical databases for research articles. After removing duplicates and inadequate articles from the n.1268 records identified using the PRISMA methodology exclusion criteria, we selected n.65 full-text articles which suited the inclusion criteria. Different results between the studies describing the current biosensing techniques, including optical, electrochemical, magnetic, and mass-sensitive sensors were observed. For each biosensing technique, sensitivity, specificity, and detection limits were evaluated. Furthermore, the integration of nanomaterials, microfluidics, and portable devices in biosensor systems' design were discussed, highlighting their role in enhancing detection performance. The potential challenges and future directions in the field of Legionella biosensing were also addressed, providing insights into the feasibility of implementing these technologies in routine environmental monitoring. Undoubtedly, biosensors can play a crucial role in the early detection and management of Legionella infections and outbreaks, ultimately protecting public health and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Andrea Screpis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.A.S.); (A.A.); (N.P.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Andrea Aleo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.A.S.); (A.A.); (N.P.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Natalia Privitera
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.A.S.); (A.A.); (N.P.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Emanuele Capuano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR—IMM), HQ, National Research Council of Italy, VIII Street Z.I., 5, 95121 Catania, Italy; (D.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Roberta Farina
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR—IMM), HQ, National Research Council of Italy, VIII Street Z.I., 5, 95121 Catania, Italy; (D.C.); (S.L.)
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Domenico Corso
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR—IMM), HQ, National Research Council of Italy, VIII Street Z.I., 5, 95121 Catania, Italy; (D.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Sebania Libertino
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR—IMM), HQ, National Research Council of Italy, VIII Street Z.I., 5, 95121 Catania, Italy; (D.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Maria Anna Coniglio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.A.S.); (A.A.); (N.P.); (M.A.C.)
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR—IMM), HQ, National Research Council of Italy, VIII Street Z.I., 5, 95121 Catania, Italy; (D.C.); (S.L.)
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mesas Gómez M, Molina-Moya B, de Araujo Souza B, Boldrin Zanoni MV, Julián E, Domínguez J, Pividori MI. Improved biosensing of Legionella by integrating filtration and immunomagnetic separation of the bacteria retained in filters. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:82. [PMID: 38191940 PMCID: PMC10774190 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-06122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
A novel approach is presented that combines filtration and the direct immunomagnetic separation of the retained bacteria Legionella in filters, for further electrochemical immunosensing. This strategy allows for the separation and preconcentration of the water-borne pathogen from high-volume samples, up to 1000 mL. The limit of detection of the electrochemical immunosensor resulted in 100 CFU mL-1 and improved up to 0.1 CFU mL-1 when the preconcentration strategy was applied in 1 L of sample (103-fold improvement). Remarkably, the immunosensor achieves the limit of detection in less than 2.5 h and simplified the analytical procedure. This represents the lowest concentration reported to date for electrochemical immunosensing of Legionella cells without the need for pre-enrichment or DNA amplification. Furthermore, the study successfully demonstrates the extraction of bacteria retained on different filtering materials using immunomagnetic separation, highlighting the high efficiency of the magnetic particles to pull out the bacteria directly from solid materials. This promising feature expands the applicability of the method beyond water systems for detecting bacteria retained in air filters of air conditioning units by directly performing the immunomagnetic separation in the filters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melania Mesas Gómez
- Grup de Sensors i Biosensors, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Biosensing and Bioanalysis Group, Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Bárbara Molina-Moya
- Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Bárbara de Araujo Souza
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, UNESP, Universidad Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, UNESP, Universidad Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Esther Julián
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - José Domínguez
- Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), 08916, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Pividori
- Grup de Sensors i Biosensors, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Biosensing and Bioanalysis Group, Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Laribi A, Allegra S, Souiri M, Mzoughi R, Othmane A, Girardot F. Legionella pneumophila sg1-sensing signal enhancement using a novel electrochemical immunosensor in dynamic detection mode. Talanta 2020; 215:120904. [PMID: 32312449 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.120904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a comparison between static and dynamic modes of biosensing using a novel microfluidic assay for continuous and quantitative detection of Legionella pneumophila sg1 in artificial water samples. A self-assembled monolayer of 16-amino-1-hexadecanethiol (16-AHT) was covalently linked to a gold substrate, and the resulting modified surface was used to immobilize an anti-Legionella pneumophila monoclonal antibody (mAb). The modified surfaces formed during the biosensor functionalization steps were characterized using electrochemical measurements and microscopic imaging techniques. Under static conditions, the biosensor exhibited a wide linear response range from 10 to 108 CFU/mL and a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL. Using a microfluidic system, the biosensor responses exhibited a linear relationship for low bacterial concentrations ranging from 10 to 103 CFU/mL under dynamic conditions and an enhancement of sensing signals by a factor of 4.5 compared to the sensing signals obtained under static conditions with the same biosensor for the detection of Legionella cells in artificially contaminated samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahlem Laribi
- Environments, Territories, Societies (EVS) Lab, Mixed Research Unit (Jean Monnet University - French National Centre for Scientific Research) 5600, University of Lyon, F42023, France; Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Interfaces, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Séverine Allegra
- Environments, Territories, Societies (EVS) Lab, Mixed Research Unit (Jean Monnet University - French National Centre for Scientific Research) 5600, University of Lyon, F42023, France
| | - Mina Souiri
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Interfaces, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ridha Mzoughi
- Regional Laboratory of Hygiene, University Hospital Farhat Hached, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia and Laboratory of Analysis Treatment and Valorization of Pollutants and Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ali Othmane
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Interfaces, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Françoise Girardot
- Environments, Territories, Societies (EVS) Lab, Mixed Research Unit (Jean Monnet University - French National Centre for Scientific Research) 5600, University of Lyon, F42023, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baltierra-Uribe SL, Chanona-Pérez JJ, Méndez-Méndez JV, Perea-Flores MDJ, Sánchez-Chávez AC, García-Pérez BE, Moreno-Lafont MC, López-Santiago R. Detection of Brucella abortus by a platform functionalized with protein A and specific antibodies IgG. Microsc Res Tech 2019; 82:586-595. [PMID: 30637865 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Oriented immobilization of antibodies on a sensor surface is critical for enhancing both the antigen-binding capacity and the sensitivity of immunosensors. In this study, we describe a strategy to adsorb immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-Brucella antibodies onto a silicon surface, oriented by protein A obtained from Staphylococcus aureus (SpA). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize topographically, morphologically, and chemical changes of the sensor functionalization. The activity of the biosensor was assessed by confocal microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, and bacteria capture assays (BCA). According to the BCA, the efficiency of Brucella abortus detection with the SpA-IgG anti Brucella biosensor was three-fold higher than that of the random orientated IgG anti Brucella biosensor. The limit of detection was 1 × 106 CFU/ml. These data show that the orientation of antibodies immobilization is crucial to developing immunosensors for bacterial antigen detection as Brucella spp and improve its sensibility level. Functionalization with protein A increases Brucella detection by an antibody-coated surface. Functionalized silicon surface for Brucella detection was characterized by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and confocal microscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Jorge Chanona-Pérez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Anahí Carolina Sánchez-Chávez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Blanca Estela García-Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Martha Cecilia Moreno-Lafont
- Departamento de Inmunología. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Rubén López-Santiago
- Departamento de Inmunología. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
New system for the detection of Legionella pneumophila in water samples. Talanta 2018; 189:324-331. [PMID: 30086926 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Waterborne pathogens are a global concern for public health worldwide. Despite continuing efforts to maintain water safety, water quality is still affected by deterioration and pollution. Legionella pneumophila colonizes man-made water systems and can infect humans causing Legionnaire's disease (LD), pneumonia. The prevention of LD is a public health issue and requires specific systems to control and detect these microorganisms. Culture plate is the only technique currently approved, but requires more than 10 days to obtain results. A rapid test that inform in hours about the presence of Legionella pneumophila in water samples will improve the control of this pathogen colonization. In order to control colonization by L. pneumophila we developed a membrane filter method to capture and immunodetect this microorganism in water samples. This membrane filter is used to retain the bacteria using a nitrocellulose disc inside a home-made cartridge. Subsequently we perform the immunodetection of the bacteria retained in the nitrocellulose (blocking, antibody incubation, washings and developing). On comparing our test with the gold-standard, the most important finding is the considerably reduction in time maintaining the same detection limit. This rapid test is easily automated for L. pneumophila detection allowing a comprehensive surveillance of L. pneumophila in water facilities and reducing the variability in the analyses due to the low need for manipulation. Moreover, corrective measures may be applied the same day of the analysis. This method considerably reduces the detection time compared with the conventional, gold-standard detection culture method that requires more than 10 days, being decisive to prevent outbreaks.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ensafi AA, Jamei HR, Heydari-Bafrooei E, Rezaei B. Electrochemical study of quinone redox cycling: A novel application of DNA-based biosensors for monitoring biochemical reactions. Bioelectrochemistry 2016; 111:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
7
|
Ben Ismail M, Carreiras F, Agniel R, Mili D, Sboui D, Zanina N, Othmane A. Application of APTES-Anti-E-cadherin film for early cancer monitoring. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 146:550-7. [PMID: 27423102 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cancer staging is a way to classify cancer according to the extent of the disease in the body. The stage is usually determined by several factors such as the location of the primary tumor, the tumor size, the degree of spread in the surrounding tissues, etc. The study of E-cadherin (EC) expression on cancerous cells of patients has revealed variations in the molecular expression patterns of primary tumors and metastatic tumors. The detection of these cells requires a long procedure involving conventional techniques, thus, the requirement for development of new rapid devices that permit direct and highly sensitive detection stimulates the sensing field progress. Here, we explore if E-cadherin could be used as a biomarker to bind and detect epithelial cancer cells. Hence, the sensitive and specific detection of E-cadherin expressed on epithelial cells is approached by immobilizing anti-E-cadherin antibody (AEC) onto aminosilanized indium-tin oxide (ITO) surface. The immunosensing surfaces have been characterized by electrochemical measurements, wettability and confocal microscopy and their performance has been assessed in the presence of cancer cell lines. Under optimal conditions, the resulting immunosensor displayed a selective detection of E-cadherin expressing cells, which could be detected either by fluorescence or electrochemical techniques. The developed immunosensing surface could provide a simple tool that can be applied to cancer staging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manel Ben Ismail
- Laboratory of biophysics, Faculty of Medecine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Franck Carreiras
- Equipe de Recherche sur les Relations Matrice Extracellulaire-Cellules, ERRMECe (EA 1391), Institut des Matériaux, University of Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Rémy Agniel
- Equipe de Recherche sur les Relations Matrice Extracellulaire-Cellules, ERRMECe (EA 1391), Institut des Matériaux, University of Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Donia Mili
- Laboratory of biochemistry, Faculty of Medecine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Dejla Sboui
- Laboratory of biophysics, Faculty of Medecine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia; Groupe Immunité des Muqueuses et des Agents Pathogènes (GIMAP), Faculty of Medecine Jacques Lisfranc of Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Nahla Zanina
- Laboratory of biophysics, Faculty of Medecine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ali Othmane
- Laboratory of biophysics, Faculty of Medecine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kirschner AK. Determination of viable legionellae in engineered water systems: Do we find what we are looking for? WATER RESEARCH 2016; 93:276-288. [PMID: 26928563 PMCID: PMC4913838 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In developed countries, legionellae are one of the most important water-based bacterial pathogens caused by management failure of engineered water systems. For routine surveillance of legionellae in engineered water systems and outbreak investigations, cultivation-based standard techniques are currently applied. However, in many cases culture-negative results are obtained despite the presence of viable legionellae, and clinical cases of legionellosis cannot be traced back to their respective contaminated water source. Among the various explanations for these discrepancies, the presence of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) Legionella cells has received increased attention in recent discussions and scientific literature. Alternative culture-independent methods to detect and quantify legionellae have been proposed in order to complement or even substitute the culture method in the future. Such methods should detect VBNC Legionella cells and provide a more comprehensive picture of the presence of legionellae in engineered water systems. However, it is still unclear whether and to what extent these VBNC legionellae are hazardous to human health. Current risk assessment models to predict the risk of legionellosis from Legionella concentrations in the investigated water systems contain many uncertainties and are mainly based on culture-based enumeration. If VBNC legionellae should be considered in future standard analysis, quantitative risk assessment models including VBNC legionellae must be proven to result in better estimates of human health risk than models based on cultivation alone. This review critically evaluates current methods to determine legionellae in the VBNC state, their potential to complement the standard culture-based method in the near future, and summarizes current knowledge on the threat that VBNC legionellae may pose to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K.T. Kirschner
- Medical University Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Water Hygiene, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, Austria
- Medical University Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Water Hygiene Kinderspitalgasse 16, A-1090 Vienna, Austria . URL: http://www.waterandhealth.at
| |
Collapse
|