Pal S., Hummel E.B., Alocilja E.C.
Michigan State University, US
Keywords: bacteria, detection, electro-magnetic, nanocomposite
This experimental study was focused on the development of a nanomagnetic conductive polymer and its application in a direct-charge transfer biosensor (Figure1) for the detection of Bacillus species. A polyaniline-γFe2O3 nanocomposite transducer was first synthesized with a monomer to γFe2O3 nanoparticle ratio of 1:0.4. The nanomagnetic composite had a saturation magnetization value of 68.4 emu/g (Figure2). The nanomagnetic polyaniline particles were coated with anti Bacillus antibodies and treated with different concentrations of the target antigens. The nanomagnetic polymer – antigen composites were then separated by the application of a magnetic field and applied to an antibody based direct-charge transfer (DCT) biosensor. The detection was based on the capillary flow of nanomagnetic polymer-antigen conjugates which enabled a direct charge transfer in the capture membrane region of the biosensor. Signal generation and data recording was completed in 6 min in a reagentless process. The sensitivity of detection of this biosensor was found to be in the range of 101 to102 CFU/ml (Figure3). Current research is based on the optimization of various parameters influencing the biosensor. This easy to use, portable reagent-less and simple biosensor will serve as a rapid detection tool to counter bioterrorism agents.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 485 - 488
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topics: Biomaterials, Chemical, Physical & Bio-Sensors
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6