Immunosensor for rapid extraction/detection of enteric pathogens

Abstract

An antibody-based sensor (immunosensor) has been developed that features an all-in-one extraction and detection of the enteric pathogen E. coli O57 : H7 using the same redox-active polyaniline-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (PIONs). Capture efficiency for E. coli O57 : H7 is shown to be 81–99% in various food matrices with varying properties. The immunosensor's detection range is 100 to 105 CFU/mL with a detection limit of 5 CFU. Furthermore, magnetic separation is showing great promise as an alternative to existing conventional sample processing systems. Given the bacteria's low contamination level in food and water, this biosensor technology has great potential in monitoring enteric microbial contaminants in the food supply chain where simplicity, sensitivity, and ease of use are important.