Biosensor for Detecting Foodborne Bacteria
- Detailed Technology Description
- ApplicationTheCDC estimates that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne pathogens eachyear. Rapid, reliable pathogen detectionmethods which do not require special expertise or a laboratory setting canidentify contaminated food and prevent it from harming consumers whileminimizing cost. The goal of thistechnology developed at UGA is to quickly and efficiently detect harmfulbacteria in food to prevent the distribution and consumption of contaminatedfood and thus avoid foodborne illness.
- *Abstract
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ProblemsAddressed
Conventionalmethods for detecting bacteria can be laborious and time-consuming. Even recently developed methods like PCR areexpensive, require special laboratory settings, and may be labor-intensive. However, available biosensors that useantibodies, enzymes, or DNA are often susceptible to harsh environmentalconditions, unstable, or unable to distinguish between viable cells and deadcells. The subject biosensor instead usesbacteriophages (viruses that infect only bacteria) to address all of theseproblems. Bacteriophages are inexpensiveand allow for rapid detection of pathogens in food by an unskilled user outsidethe laboratory without compromising effectiveness. Bacteriophages are not as susceptible toenvironmental conditions, are more stable, are able to distinguish betweenviable and dead cells, and only bind to harmful bacteria.
TechnologySummary
Thisbiosensor utilizes bacteriophages to detect foodborne pathogens. A bacteriophage is attached to a carbonnanotube and binds to the surface of a harmful bacterium. The bacteriophage is oriented outwards usingan electrical current so that it may bind to bacteria. When the bacteriophage binds to thebacterium, it creates an electrode which allows the bacterium to bedetected. Bacteriophages are usedbecause they are inexpensive, ubiquitous in nature, and work better than otheragents used in biosensors, allowing for real-time detection of foodbornebacteria without need for expertise.
Lead Investigator: Dr. Ramaraja Ramasamy, UGA College of Engineering
- Country/Region
- USA
