Portable Biosensors Help E.coli Detection

Several foods have recently been recalled and harmful pathogens are discovered when people start to get sick. Researchers have been working hard to develop better biosensors so that they can quickly and accurately detect cancer biomarkers in the blood and harmful bacteria in the environment. Even though trace amounts of pathogens can pose serious health risks, currently available sensors cannot detect these trace pathogens quickly and easily.

The researchers created a simple sensor that can detect and amplify the signal from the food pathogen E. coli (E. coli) 0157:H7, which can cause severe diarrhea and kidney damage.

The key to good quality sensors is to maintain a large amount of enzyme activity when detecting the antigen of a sample. To solve this problem, the researchers developed a nanometer-sized particle that includes both organic and inorganic components. It looks like a very small flower. The particle is smaller than a grain of dust and consists of molecules. The nano-scale flower, the surface area of ​​the petals is used to immobilize highly active enzymes, which can detect low levels of bacteria.

This nanoflower can recognize bacteria and amplify the signal, so that the pH can be detected with a simple hand-held pH meter or pH test strip.

"We want to use nanoflowers to create an easy-to-use handheld device that anyone can use anywhere," Lin said. "It will be as simple to use as early pregnancy test strips or blood glucose meters."

The researchers applied for a patent on the handheld device concept and used it to detect disease markers and other pathogens such as Salmonella.

(Original title: Small: Researcher detects E. coli by improving biosensors)