Operational characteristics of an antibody-immobilized QCM system detecting Salmonella spp

Bulk and Surface Acoustic Wave Biosensors for Milk Analysis

Milk and dairy products are common foods and, therefore, are subject to regular controls. Such controls cover both the identification and quantification of specific components and the determination of physical parameters. Components include the usual milk ingredients, mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and fat, and any impurities that may be present. The latter range from small molecules, such as drug residues, to large molecules, e.g., protein-based toxins, to pathogenic microorganisms. Physical parameters of interest include viscosity as an indicator of milk gelation. Bulk and surface acoustic wave sensors, such as quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, can principally be used for both types of analysis, with the actual application mainly depending on the device coating and the test format. This review summarizes the achievements of acoustic sensor devices used for milk analysis applications, including the determination of physical liquid parameters and the detection of low- and high-molecular-weight analytes and microorganisms. It is shown how the various requirements resulting from the respective analytes and the complex sample matrix are addressed, and to what extent the analytical demands, e.g., with regard to legal limits, are met.

A Novel Prototype Biosensor Array Electrode System for Detecting the Bacterial Pathogen Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella sp. has long been reported all over the world. Despite the availability of various diagnostic methods, easy and effective detection systems are still required. This report describes a dialysis membrane electrode interface disc with immobilized specific antibodies to capture antigenic Salmonella cells. The interaction of a specific Salmonella antigen with a mouse anti-Salmonella monoclonal antibody complexed to rabbit anti-mouse secondary antibody conjugated with HRP and the substrate o-aminophenol resulted in a response signal output current measured using two electrode systems (cadmium reference electrode and glassy carbon working electrode) and an agilent HP34401A 6.5 digital multimeter without a potentiostat or applied potential input. A maximum response signal output current was recorded for various concentrations of Salmonella viz., 3, 30, 300, 3000, 30,000 and 300,000 cells. The biosensor has a detection limit of three cells, which is very sensitive when compared with other detection sensors. Little non-specific response was observed using Streptococcus, Vibrio, and Pseudomonas sp. The maximum response signal output current for a dialysis membrane electrode interface disc was greater than that for gelatin, collagen, and agarose. The device and technique have a range of biological applications. This novel detection system has great potential for future development and application in surveillance for microbial pathogens.

Rapid and dynamic detection of antimicrobial treatment response using spectral amplitude modulation in MZO nanostructure-modified quartz crystal microbalance

We report a dynamic and rapid detection of the response of S. epidermidis to various antimicrobial treatments utilizing the real-time spectral amplitude modulations of the magnesium zinc oxide nanostructure-modified quartz crystal microbalance (MZOnano-QCM) biosensor. The sensor consists of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with magnesium zinc oxide (MZO) nanostructures grown directly on the sensing electrode using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Combining the high sensitivity detection of bacteria provided by the MZO nanostructures with the QCM's dynamic acoustic spectrum makes a highly-sensitive dynamic biosensor well-suited for monitoring viscoelastic transitions during drug treatment compared to the QCM's conventional frequency shift signals. We demonstrated dynamically monitoring the response of S. epidermidis to various concentrations of the drug ciprofloxacin, and response to three different antimicrobials vancomycin, oxacillin, and ciprofloxacin, using spectral amplitude modulations of the MZOnano-QCM. Our results indicate that the amplitude modulations exhibit high sensitivity to S. epidermidis response to different drug treatments compared to the conventional frequency shift signals of the device, allowing for rapid determination (within 1.5 h) of the efficacy of the antimicrobial drug. The high sensitivity demonstrated by the spectral amplitude modulations is attributed to the direct relationship of these signals to the viscoelastic transitions of the bacterial cells on the device's sensing area while responding to drug treatment. This relationship is established by the Butterworth-Van-Dyke (BVD) model of the MZOnano-QCM. Standard microbiological protocols and assays were performed to determine the optimal drug dosages and the minimum inhibitory concentrations to serve as the benchmark for the sensor data.

Early detection of bacteria using SPR imaging and event counting: experiments with Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua

Foodborne pathogens are of significant concern in the agrifood industry and the development of associated rapid detection and identification methods are of major importance. This paper describes the novel use of resolution-optimized prism-based surface plasmon resonance imaging (RO-SPRI) and data processing for the detection of the foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua. With an imaging spatial resolution on the order of individual bacteria (2.7 ± 0.5 μm × 7.9 ± 0.6 μm) over a field of view 1.5 mm2, the RO-SPRI system enabled accurate counting of individual bacteria on the sensor surface. Using this system, we demonstrate the detection of two species of Listeria at an initial concentration of 2 × 102 CFU mL-1 in less than 7 hours. The surface density of bacteria at the point of positive detection was 15 ± 4 bacteria per mm2. Our approach offers great potential for the development of fast specific detection systems based on affinity monitoring.

In situ formation of gold nanoparticles in polymer inclusion membrane: Application as platform in a label-free potentiometric immunosensor for Salmonella typhimurium detection

Polymeric ion selective electrodes are highly sensitive to changes in zero current ion flow and this offers a route to signal amplification in label-free potentiometric immunosensors. In this work, a label-free potentiometric immunosensor toward Salmonella typhimurium (ST) assembled in a home-made pipette-tip electrode is described. The signal-output amplification was implemented on a gold nanoparticle polymer inclusion membrane (AuNPs-PIM) which was used as sensing platform and for antibody immobilization. Additionally, a marker ion was used to detect the antibody-antigen binding event at the electrode surface. The immunosensor construction was performed in several steps: i) gold salt ions extraction in PVC membrane; ii) AuNPs formation using Na₂EDTA as reduction agent; iii) antibody anti-Salmonella conjugation on AuNPs-PIM in pipette-tip electrodes. The potential shift observed in potentiometric measurements was derived simply from the blocking effect in the ionic flux caused by antigen-antibody conjugation, without no extra steps, mimetizing the ion-channel sensors. A detection limit of 6 cells mL^-1 was attained. As proof-of-concept, recovery studies were performed in spiked commercial apple juice samples with success. Due to the simplicity of use, the appealing cost of equipment and sensor production and being able to provide a quick analytical response (less than 1 h for a complete assay, including sample preparation for analysis), this scheme represents a good prototype device for the detection of foodborne pathogens like ST or other immune-responsive bacteria.

Miniaturized Flow Stacked Immunoassay for Detecting Escherichia coli in a Single Step

Commercially available systems that provide cost-effective, fast, simple, and portable solutions for health and environmental applications are few despite advancements in bioassays and biosensor research. We have developed a new system based on stacked membranes, each layer with a specific function. Samples were added onto the bottom-most layer, and as each layer becomes wet, the analyte pushes through to the next membrane layers. During migration, the analyte attaches with the corresponding antibody, itself conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to produce a measurable signal. To prevent false positive results, blocking layer membranes are added to stop unbound antibodies from reaching the top membrane. Thus, only analyte/antibody-HRP complex will generate a signal. In order to prove this concept, Escherichia coli was used as the target analyte. After optimization, our immunoassay sensitivity was adjusted to 100 cells mL(-1). Different environmental water sources were also tested to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of our proposed stacked bioassay. Simplicity, low price, sensitivity, and modularity (capability to change to any target analyte) make this idea very promising for future commercialization.

A label-free immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of ketamine based on quartz crystal microbalance

In this study, we have developed a label-free immunosensor with the variation of resonance frequency (Δf) of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as readout signal for ultrasensitive detection of Ketamine (KT). An optimized strategy for immobilization of KT antibody on the surface of the QCM chip was implemented via the self-assembly modification of 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and then activated with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminoprophl) carbodiimide and n-hydroxysuccinimide. The specific affinity between the antibody and the antigen ensured a selective response toward KT. The Δf linearly related to the concentration of KT in the range of 1 to 40 pg/mL, with a detection limit of 0.86 pg/mL (S/N = 3). The obtained immunosensor was applied to detect the KT in spiked human urine without any pretreatment but dilution with recoveries from 91.8% to 108%. The developed sensor is promising to perform the portable or on-spot KT detection in clinic or forensic cases.

Comparative determination of two probiotics by QCM and OWLS-based immunosensors

The regular consumption of foods containing probiotic bacteria has beneficial physiological effects on the health and the digestion system. There is a need for novel analytical approaches for the determination of these bacteria that are faster than the classical plate counting method. For this purpose, two label-free biosensors were investigated and presented in this paper: Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Optical Waveguide Lightmode Spectroscopy (OWLS) based direct immunosensors were developed for real-time direct detection of probiotic bacteria in fermented dairy products. Bifidobacterium bifidum O1356 and Lactobacillus acidophilus O1132 were detected by polyclonal anti-B. bifidum IgG and anti-L. acidophilus IgG immobilized on the sensors' surface. Sulfo-LC-SPDP cross linking agent was used to bind antibodies to the gold surface of the QCM's AT-cut quartz wafer. Concerning OWLS, antibodies were covalently bound to the amino groups of the silanized surface of the waveguide by glutaraldehyde. The dynamic measuring range was found between 1.0E+3 and 5.0E+5CFUmL(-1) in 100 fold diluted fermented milk products by QCM and with OWLS. Considering the current legislation of the probiotic content in probiotic products, the two developed immunosensors can be applied for rapid quantification of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum in fermented milk. These examinations offer effective alternatives to the microbiological plate counting method.

Sensitive detection of food-borne pathogen Salmonella by modified PAN fibers-immunoassay

Sensitive and rapid detection of Salmonella is a key to the prevention and identification of problems associated with human health and safety. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) are popular and widely implemented technique to detect pathogenic bacteria in routine analysis but a typical ELISA yields a sensitivity of 10(6)-10(7)cfu/mL. The present study consecrates on the applicability of surface modified polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers as a novel matrix of immunoassay for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium in a sandwich ELISA format. Affinity purified antibody against Salmonella common structural antigen (CSA-1-Ab) was immobilized on modified PAN (mPAN) fibers using covalent immobilization via amine-glutaraldehyde chemistry and inactivated S. typhimurium were captured from various samples and detected colorimetrically using peroxidase-labelled common structural antibody (CSA-1-Ab-HRP) against Salmonella. The performance of the developed immunoassay was compared with commercially available immunomagnetic microbeads (Dynabeads(®) anti-Salmonella), polystyrene (PS) microtitre plate and glutaraldehyde activated PS plate. Limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 10, 10(5), 10(6) and 10(7)cells/mL of bacteria for mPAN, Dynabeads(®), glu-plate and PS plate respectively without any pre-enrichment step. The assay was specific for the targeted bacteria when investigated with other cross-reactant food and water-borne pathogens. The developed immunoassay offered undisputed advantages of being simple, sensitive and specific for the detection of S. typhimurium.

Quartz crystal microbalance immunosensor for the quantification of immunoglobulin G in bovine milk

The development of precise and sensitive methods for milk analysis remains a challenging task in the milk quality control field. A piezoelectric immunosensor was developed for the real-time quantification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in bovine milk and colostrum. The sensing surface was designed with rabbit antibovine IgG as the detecting molecule, coupled onto a carboxymethyl dextran-coated gold crystal. Total binding and non-specific binding were measured using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Conditions of analysis, including ligand immobilization, dilution ratio of milk, salinity, and pH of the dilution buffer were optimized by Doehlert experimental design in order to enhance the detection specificity. The performances of the optimized immunosensor were evaluated. The standard curve was established from QCM-D responses and was linear until an IgG concentration of 2500 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 46 ng/mL. The total assay time is 5 min per sample, including the regeneration step. The intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients were equal to or below 4.7 and 6.1%, respectively. The sensing surface was stable for 100 analyses. This technique was successfully applied to the detection of colostrum addition in milk, with a minimum threshold of 0.1%. This new IgG quantification method is particularly interesting as a cost-effective and time-saving alternative for the dairy analytical laboratories when compared with the existing quantification methods.

AFM Specific Identification of Bacterial Cell Fragments on Biofunctional Surfaces

Biointerfaces with a highly sensitive surface designed for specific interaction with biomolecules are essential approaches for providing advanced biochemical and biosensor assays. For the first time, we have introduced a simple AFM-based recognition system capable of visualizing specific bacterial nanofragments and identifying the corresponding bacterial type. For this we developed AFM-adjusted procedures for preparing IgG-based surfaces and subsequently exposing them to antigens. The AFM images reveal the specific binding of Escherichia coli cell fragments to the prepared biofunctional surfaces. Moreover, the binding of bacterial cell fragments to the affinity surfaces can be characterized quantitatively, indicating a 30-fold to 80-fold increase in the quantity of bound antigenic material in the case of a specific antigen-antibody pair. Our results demonstrate significant opportunities for developing reliable sensing procedures for detecting pathogenic bacteria, and the cell can still be identified after it is completely destroyed.

The detection of influenza A and B viruses in clinical specimens using a quartz crystal microbalance

Current methods for the accurate diagnosis of influenza based on culture of the virus or PCR are highly sensitive and specific but require specialised laboratory facilities and highly trained personnel and, in the case of viral culture, can take up to 14 days to obtain a definitive result. In this study, a quartz crystal microbalance-based immunosensor (QCM) has been developed and its potential evaluated for the rapid and sensitive detection of both influenza A and B viruses in laboratory-cultured preparations and clinical samples. The effective limit for detection by QCM for stock preparations of both A/PR/8/34 and B/Lee/40 viruses was 1 × 10⁴ pfu/mL, associated with observed frequency shifts of 30 (±5) and 37 (±6.5) Hz, respectively. Conjugation of 13 nm gold nanoparticles to the detecting antibody improved the mass sensitivity of the immunosensor, resulting in a 10-fold increase in sensitivity and a detection limit of 1 × 10³ pfu/mL for both preparations, with resulting frequency shifts of 102 (±11) and 115 (±5) Hz, respectively. Detection of virus in nasal washes with this technique was achieved by overnight passage in MDCK cultures prior to analysis. A comparison of results obtained from 67 clinical samples using existing RT-PCR, shell vial, cell culture and ELISA methods showed that QCM techniques were comparable in sensitivity and specificity to cell culture methods.

Gold screen-printed-based impedimetric immunobiosensors for direct and sensitive Escherichia coli quantisation

Label-free electrochemical impedance immunosensors for the detection and quantification of Escherichia coli (E. coli) using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)-modified gold screen-printed electrodes (AuSPEs) were developed. Two different immunosensor configurations were tested and compared. In the first one, the immunosensing design was based on the covalent immobilization of anti-E. coli at AuSPEs using the homobifunctional cross-linker 3,3'-dithiobis[sulfosuccinimidylpropionate] (DTSSP). The other one was based on the immobilization of the thiolated antibody onto the electrode surface. In both cases, the evaluation of the developed immunosensors performance was accomplished through the monitoring of the electron-transfer resistance detected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the presence of [Fe(CN)(6)(3-)]/[Fe(CN)(6)(4-)] as redox probe. The configuration using the thiolated antibodies gave rise to a better analytical performance, exhibiting a linear relationship between the increment in the electron-transfer resistance (DeltaR(et)) and the logarithmic value of the E. coli concentration in the 5-1.0 x 10(8) cfu mL(-1) range. The limit of detection achieved, with no need for preconcentration or pre-enrichment steps was 3.3 cfu mL(-1). The developed immunosensors showed a high selectivity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Salmonella choleraesuis (S. choleraesuis). The usefulness of the thiolated antibodies-based design for the rapid analysis (1h) of 10 cfu mL(-1)E. coli inoculated river and tap water samples was demonstrated.

A QCM-D-based biosensor for E. coli O157:H7 highlighting the relevance of the dissipation slope as a transduction signal

A biosensor for detection of viable Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 is developed using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The detection platform is based on the immobilization of affinity purified polyclonal antibodies onto gold-coated QCM-D quartz crystals via a cysteamine self-assembled monolayer. QCM-D measurements conducted over a broad range of bacterial cell concentrations show that the optimal biosensor response is the initial slope of the dissipation shift as a function of elapsed time (D(slope)). A highly log-log linear response in the initial D(slope) is obtained for detection of E. coli O157:H7 over a wide range of cell concentrations from 3 x 10(5) to 1 x 10(9)cells/mL. The prepared biosensor also exhibits a log-log linear working range from 10(7) to 10(9)cells/mL for E. coli K12 D21, a non-pathogenic model organism and further shows satisfactory selectivity using Bacillus subtilis. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the use of the initial D(slope) as a sensor response when using QCM-D technology.

Towards on-site pathogen detection using antibody-based sensors

In this paper, the recent progress within biosensors for plant pathogen detection will be reviewed. Bio-recognition layers on sensors can be designed in various ways, however the most popular approach is to immobilise antibodies for specific capture of analytes. Focus will be put on antibody surface-immobilisation strategies as well as the use of antibodies in the widely used sensors, quartz crystal microbalance, surface plasmon resonance and cantilevers. We will describe the available data on antibody-based plant pathogen detection and furthermore use examples from detection of the pathogens Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Campylobacter and Escherichia coli. We will touch upon optimal assay design and further discuss the strengths and limitations of current sensor technologies for detection of viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Acoustic Wave (TSM) Biosensors: Weighing Bacteria

This chapter is focused on the development and use of acoustic wave biosensor platforms for the detection of bacteria, specifically those based on the thickness shear mode (TSM) resonator. We demonstrated the mechanical and electrical implications of bacterial positioning at the solid-liquid interface of a TSM biosensor and presented a model of the TSM with bacteria attached operating as coupled oscillators. The experiments and model provide an understanding of the nature of the signals produced by acoustic wave devices when they are used for testing bacteria. The paradox of “negative mass” could be a real threat to the interpretation of experimental results related to the detection of bacteria. The knowledge of the true nature of “negative mass” linked to the strength of bacteria attachment will contribute significantly to our understanding of the results of “weighing bacteria.” The results of this work can be used for bacterial detection and control of processes of bacterial settlement, bacterial colonization, biofilm formation, and bacterial infection in which bacterial attachment plays a role.

A novel multi-array immunoassay device for tumor markers based on insert-plug model of piezoelectric immunosensor

A novel multi-array immunoassay device based on the insert-plug model of piezoelectric (Pz) immunosensor fabricated with the screw clamp apparatus has been developed for quantitative detection of tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), prostate specific antigen (PSA), and carcinoma antigen 125 (CA125) in serum, in which single immunosensor can oscillate independently with the frequency stability of +/-1 Hz (hertz) in air phase and +/-2 Hz in liquid phase. These response characteristics of Pz tumor marker multi-array immunoassay device such as time-cost, reproducibility and specificity, etc. were also investigated, respectively. The detection range for AFP, CEA, PSA and CA125 obtained by multi-array Pz immunosensor were 20-640 ng/ml, 1.5-30 microg/ml, 1.5-40 ng/ml and 5-150 IU/ml, respectively, with the coefficient of variance (CV) less than 5% and no cross-reactivates with other tumor markers in serum were observed. Application of the multi-array immunosensor to clinical samples demonstrated that results were in good agreement with chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Moreover, the multi-array Pz immunosensor could be regenerated to be reused for three cycles without appreciable loss of response activity. Therefore, the proposed multi-array immunoassay device based on Pz immunosensor provides a rapid, sensitive, specific, reusable, convenient and reliable alternative for the detection of tumor markers in clinical laboratory.

Biocompatible Conductive Architecture of Carbon Nanofiber-Doped Chitosan Prepared with Controllable Electrodeposition for Cytosensing

A novel architecture was designed by combining the biocompatibility of chitosan (CS) and excellent conductivity of carbon nanofiber (CNF). The controllable electrodeposition of soluble CNF-doped CS colloidal solution formed a robust CNF-CS nanocomposite film with good biocompatibility for the immobilization and cytosensing of K562 cells on an electrode. The formed architecture was characterized using scanning electron microscopic, infrared spectrum, contact angle, and thermogravimetric analyses. The adhesion of K562 cells on the nanocomposite film-modified electrode could be followed with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The presence of CNF facilitated the electrochemical behavior of K562 cells. The impedance of electronic transduction was related to the amount of the adhered cells, producing a highly sensitive impedance sensor for K562 cells ranging from 5 x 10(3) to 5.0 x 10(7) cells mL-1 with a limit of detection of 1 x 10(3) cells mL-1. This work suggested a strategy to prepare a biocompatible and conductive interface for immobilization and electrochemical detection of cells and opened a way for the application of CNF in cytosensing.

Production, characterisation and potential application of a novel monoclonal antibody for rapid identification of virulent Listeria monocytogenes

A panel of hybridomas was produced using intact Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1/2a cells as the immunogen. An IgG2a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 'mAb2B3' was isolated that reacted with L. monocytogenes but not with a representative panel of related Listeria spp. and non-Listeria spp. Binding activity was greatest against L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a and was significantly enhanced when cells were prepared in Listeria enrichment broth (LEB). The reactive epitope was deduced, by immunoblot analysis, to be a surface localised protein of approximately 80 kilodaltons (kDa), putatively assumed to be internalin A (InlA). Recombinant InlA protein was subsequently expressed in Escherischia coli. When crude E. coli cell lysates were subjected to immunoblot analysis, it was demonstrated that the mAb bound specifically to the heterologously expressed recombinant InlA protein, thus confirming the specificity of the mAb. The mAb was further evaluated in a series of enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based formats and in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor platform. Both configurations were capable of differential identification of virulent L. monocytogenes at concentrations greater than or equal to 1x10(7) cells/ml. Notwithstanding the apparent insensitivity, the results indicate that InlA could be exploited as a marker for highly specific confirmatory identification of pathogenic L. monocytogenes following primary enrichment of suspect food samples, using the anti-InlA antibody 'mAb2B3', described herein.

Strategy of macromolecular grafting onto a gold substrate dedicated to protein–protein interaction measurements

Many biotechnology applications use proteins immobilized on surface. For biosensor, the sensing layer is a key component interfacing the transducer and the sample. Strategies employed to activate the bidimensional surface act directly on the performance of the biosensor. In this paper we propose a novel strategy for engineered proteins self-assembly. Our original supramolecular structure allows a direct and fast covalent attachment of proteins onto bare gold substrate through a homobifunctional cross-linker, 1,4-di-([2'-pyridyldithio]propionamido)butane (DPDPB). In this work, engineered proteins and linker-protein complexes were synthesized and characterized by gel electrophoresis, chromatography and spectroscopy experiments. Macromolecular construction "DPDPB-GST tag-GEC1 protein" was conceived in order to guarantee a 2D architecture enhancing the capabilities of the target (tubulin) to recognize its partner (GEC1). Surface plasmon resonance measurements clearly showed potential of this particular self-assembled protein layer compared to a commercial immunosensor interface. At the concentrations tested, the recognition process occurs between tubulin and the immobilized GEC1; moreover enhanced binding was obtained with the home-made 2D sensing layer more than with 3D carboxymethyl dextran matrix.

Simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli O157∶H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium using quantum dots as fluorescence labels

In this study, we explored the use of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescence labels in immunoassays for simultaneous detection of two species of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium. QDs with different sizes can be excited with a single wavelength of light, resulting in different emission peaks that can be measured simultaneously. Highly fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots with different emission wavelengths (525 nm and 705 nm) were conjugated to anti-E. coli O157 and anti-Salmonella antibodies, respectively. Target bacteria were separated from samples by using specific antibody coated magnetic beads. The bead-cell complexes reacted with QD-antibody conjugates to form bead-cell-QD complexes. Fluorescent microscopic images of QD labeled E. coli and Salmonella cells demonstrated that QD-antibody conjugates could evenly and completely attach to the surface of bacterial cells, indicating that the conjugated QD molecules still retain their effective fluorescence, while the conjugated antibody molecules remain active and are able to recognize their specific target bacteria in a complex mixture. The intensities of fluorescence emission peaks at 525 nm and 705 nm of the final complexes were measured for quantitative detection of E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium simultaneously. The fluorescence intensity (FI) as a function of cell number (N) was found for Salmonella and E. coli, respectively. The regression models can be expressed as: FI = 60.6 log N- 250.9 with R(2) = 0.97 for S. Typhimurium, and FI = 77.8 log N- 245.2 with R(2) = 0.91 for E. coli O157:H7 in the range of cell numbers from 10(4) to 10(7) cfu ml(-1). The detection limit of this method was 10(4) cfu ml(-1). The detection could be completed within 2 hours. The principle of this method could be extended to detect multiple species of bacteria (3-4 species) simultaneously, depending on the availability of each type of QD-antibody conjugates with a unique emission peak and the antibody coated magnetic beads specific to each species of bacteria.

Evaluation of a capillary immunoassay system for detection of Salmonella typhimurium in poultry products

A capillary immunoassay system was constructed and optimized for detection of Salmonella Typhimurium. The system consisted of a capillary bioseparator-bioreactor and a flow-injection electrochemical detector. Three methods were compared for immobilizing antibodies on the inner surface of silica capillary columns; these methods were based on the use of a homobifunctional cross-linker glutaraldehyde, a heterobifunctional cross-linker N-succinimidyl-4-maleimidobutyrate, and biotin-streptavidin chemistry, respectively. The glutaraldehyde method gave the best reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 1 to 6% for detection of Salmonella Typhimurium. The optimized immunoassay system could detect Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken breast and ground turkey meats with a detection limit of 2.4 x 10(3) and 2.4 x 10(4) CFU/ml, respectively. The total detection time was less than 2.5 h without any preenrichment. When stored at 4 degrees C, the immunocolumns could retain their activities for at least 3 months.

QCM–FIA with PGMA coating for dynamic interaction study of heparin and antithrombin III

In this work, we describe a method of constructing a film of linear poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) polymer onto the surface of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode as a coating material that allows easy coupling of heparin molecules onto the electrode and facilitates the determination of the interaction between heparin and antithrombin III (AT III). The PGMA film was characterized with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infra-red spectroscopy. The coupling of heparin was accomplished in one step solution reaction. A home-made quartz crystal microbalance-flow injection analysis (QCM-FIA) system with data analysis software developed in our laboratory was used to determine the interaction. The interactions between immobilized heparin and AT III were studied with various concentrations under various conditions. The obtained constants are kass=(1.49+/-0.12)x10(3)mol-1ls-1, kdiss=(3.94+/-0.63)x10(-2)s-1, KA=(3.82+/-0.33)x10(4)mol-1l.

A novel piezoelectric quartz micro-array immunosensor based on self-assembled monolayer for determination of human chorionic gonadotropin

A novel multi-channel 2 x 5 model of piezoelectric quartz micro-array immunosensor has been developed for quantitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in serum or urine samples. Every crystal unit of the fabricated piezoelectric hCG micro-array immunosensor can oscillate independently without interfering each other. A 2 x 5 model of micro-array immunosensor as compared with a one-channel immunosensor can provide eight times higher detection speeds for hCG assay. The anti-hCG antibody is deposited on the gold electrode's surface of 10 MHz quartz AT-cut crystal by self-assembled technique using sulfosuccinimidyl 6-[3'-(2-pyridyldithio) propionamido] hexanoate (Sulfo-LC-SPDP), and serves as an antibody recognizing layer. The highly ordered self-assembled monolayers (SAM) ensure well-controlled surface structure and offer many advantages to the performance of the sensor. Compared with conventional antibody immobilization methods, the amount and the reaction activity of antibody monolayer coated by the SAM binding are bigger than those by the SPA method, and less non-specific binding caused by other analytes in sample is found. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the results showed that micro-array immunosensor quantitatively detected serum or urine hCG in the range of 2.5-500 mIU/ml with high precision (CV<5%); other hormones in human serum and urine did not interfere with the determination markedly. Serum and urine samples of 60 patients were detected by the micro-array immunosensor, and the results agreed well with those given by the commercial radioimmunoassay test kit, with correlation coefficient of 0.92. After regeneration with urea solution the coated immunosensor can be reused five times without appreciable loss of activity.

Interdigitated Array Microelectrode-Based Electrochemical Impedance Immunosensor for Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7

A label-free electrochemical impedance immunosensor for rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was developed by immobilizing anti-E. coli antibodies onto an indium-tin oxide interdigitated array (IDA) microelectrode. Based on the general electronic equivalent model of an electrochemical cell and the behavior of the IDA microelectrode, an equivalent circuit, consisting of an ohmic resistor of the electrolyte between two electrodes and a double layer capacitor, an electron-transfer resistor, and a Warburg impedance around each electrode, was introduced for interpretation of the impedance components of the IDA microelectrode system. The results showed that the immobilization of antibodies and the binding of E. coli cells to the IDA microelectrode surface increased the electron-transfer resistance, which was directly measured with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the presence of [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) as a redox probe. The electron-transfer resistance was correlated with the concentration of E. coli cells in a range from 4.36 x 10(5) to 4.36 x 10(8) cfu/mL with the detection limit of 10(6) cfu/mL.